Van Amersfoort: “With Max everything is plus, plus, plus”
Published on 31 October 2015 by Mike Motilall
Last Sunday, in an Austrian pizzeria, close to the Red Bull Ring, Frits van Amersfoort saw Max Verstappen excel in the USA GP in Austin. Surrounded by members of his acclaimed team ‘Van Amersfoort Racing’, Verstappen’s former team principal in the Formula 3, bore witness to how the 18-year old Dutchman sensationally snatched the fourth spot. Once again being a headliner in the travelling Formula 1-circus.
The normally down to earth Frits van Amersfoort, shared the enthusiasm around him during the race, most notably during the tantalizing closing stages. “I really enjoyed this. My gosh, Max was fantastic. That kid can really race”, says van Amersfoort at RedBull.com. To illustrate how excited he was: “For the first time in my life, I was twittering during a race...”
Franz Tost, Max Verstappen’s current team principal at Scuderia Toro Rosso, was heard saying, after the race in Texas, that the youngest F1-driver ever keeps surprising him. It’s a remark van Amersfoort can relate to. Laughingly he says: “I have to conclude that that typification certainly applies to the Verstappens."
Van Amersfoort continues: “I think that Max is turning into a more complete driver. But he is still a great guy. Just recently he dropped by at the Hockenheimring in Germany, that was actually the first time we spoke again since this season. Then you can see how much he has remained himself. You never get the feeling that you’re talking to an international star in the making. You need to be careful not to use too many superlatives, but everything he does, he does well. Everything!”
When asked to still point out something that could be improved, there is a moment of silence. He then apologizes: “I am sorry, but I really cannot find anything.”
Except in the Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s name is frequently dropped in the Formula 3-circus. There also, a Verstappen-effect is taking place, van Amersfoort relays.
“Max has put his mark on motorsports, and this was all too well noticeable this year. There were some guys who were trying to do the same as Max, by trying to get into Formula 3 straight from karting. But their attempts were futile. Of course there were boys in between with a lot of talent, but, in no way, were they able to do what Max has done. The FIA responded to this development by, from next year onwards, only allowing drivers in Formula 3 who have had their license for at least one year. And that’s all because of Max. For the first time in the history of motorsports, the FIA has taken such a severe measure.”
We ask Frits if it is noticeable that the personal ambitions of the F3-drivers have changed because of Max? And if they dream of a quick and successful transition to Formula 1?
“They do have those dreams, but Max isn’t fully responsible for that. That also has to do with the new Formula 3-rules. The past two years, Formula 3 was fragmented with different national championships. The introduction of a European Formula 3-championship, was from the word go a fruitful decision; it has boosted this class of sport. The extraordinary accomplishments of Max also add to that and I must say that he has given me quite a problem."
“I still need to convince people that what Max has done and is now doing in Formula 1, is something exceptional and most definitely not normal.”
Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the headliners in Formula 1. According to van Amersfoort maybe even the headliner. In his opinion, who are the others? Van Amersfoort: “Difficult. His team mate Carlos Sainz is doing well, with the emphasis on well. He is not doing extremely well.”
"And to be honest, I don’t have much ado with the other Formula 1-drivers. I know Valtteri Bottas well from his Formula 3-period, I have even chased after him. I still think he is a great talent. But apart from that, I am very disappointed with the old folks on the grid. I think they need to get the hell out. And I am not saying that because they are bad drivers, but it is time for something new. Guys like Massa and Button should step aside to make room for the new generation.”
“I can understand that the teams value experience. Even we have high regard for that at Van Amersfoort Racing. But experienced Formula 3-drivers are quickly a second choice, because those guys shouldn’t hang around too long. Often, it is better to take a talented rookie than a lesser guy with experience.”
Still he sees in Formula 3 and in other feeder classes, the age come down. A development Frits van Amersfoort is not happy to witness.
It is the same with Max as it is with Red Bull. There are many companies out there that are trying to emulate the success of Red Bull’s energy drinks, to no avail. It’s the same with Max. He is exceptional. But let’s not forget the contribution from father Jos in this success story, he stresses.
“Max is enormously talented, but also hugely bred. Nobody should underestimate that aspect. Jos is perhaps the best coach in the world. To me, he is, in any case, the coach of the year. Both Jos and Max, have done a phenomenal achievement by undergoing this process together and are now able to operate on the highest levels. Of course, talent is one of the most fertile soil you can feed from, but one thing is evident: with Max everything is plus, plus, plus.”
Source: www.redbull.nl/maxverstappen
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