Column: Jos Verstappen – Huge contrast with Austin
Published on 30 October 2015 by Stefan Meens
Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.
“What the American Grand Prix made clear is how exciting Formula 1 is when everyone has the same amount of horse power. Until the last lap, all cars were pretty close to each other and anything could have happened. That's why it was good we had the most exciting race of year in Austin. The Americans love big entertainment and I think that's exactly what they got. I hope it made the people in Formula 1 think.
Lewis Hamilton's world title is obviously deserved but the sobering thought is that it would it have been really special if hadn’t become world champion with a car that good. The only person he had to beat was his team mate who drives the same car.
In regards to their spat in Texas, it's very clear to me. Rosberg was angry because Hamilton pushed him wide at the first turn, right after the start. But Rosberg allows that. He needs to toughen up and maybe step over the edge so Hamilton becomes more cautious. Now, however, Rosberg is just asking for it.
That's why I loved seeing my son Max race the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. That was a real fight, reminiscent of the way I used to drive. When I analyse it without bias, than you can only conclude Max didn't make any mistakes. The way he resisted Raikkonen and Vettel and came in at the right time for new tyres, was incredible for someone who'd just turned 18. He always knew when he had to do what. Very impressive.
The contrast with Mexico City will be great. We're relying on a miracle to see Max finishing high in the points here. It's a super fast circuit that just doesn’t suit his car but will the Mercedes. Of course Max and the team are preparing themselves to make the most of it. But it's an intense preparation as the altitude will take it's toll on the brakes, cooling, downforce etc. Additionally the turbo has to work a lot harder. That's why every minute is needed to find advatanges.
Despite the track in Mexico City not suiting Max, the renewed track is beautiful with a long straight and slow corners. The local area is beautiful so it's a great addition to the Formula 1 calendar."
Jos Verstappen
Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport
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