Max: “Qualifying P5 in Sochi is not realistic”

Published on 28 April 2016 by Niels Hendrix

Max Verstappen is hoping for a positive weekend in Russia as he described the qualities you need to tackle the Sochi track. "You're aiming to have a clean lap with not too much oversteer," said the Dutchman. "You need to hit the apexes, as the majority of corners are 90 degrees and all pretty similar. You also need good top speed and, even if we know we are not the fastest down the straights, we will be trying our best to make up time in the corners, but with 90 degree turns that is a difficult task.” 

Max continues: “Getting the tyres working properly will be a challenge: it was already difficult last year but this time we can expect cooler temperatures, making it even harder. On paper, you'd be aiming to get away with a one-stop strategy, but that's not so straightforward with the new 70% tread factor introduced this season. So, on the tyre side, we will have to wait and see after the second and third free practice sessions."

The first time Formula 1 came to Sochi, Daniil Kvyat was driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso and the local hero thrilled the crowd, securing fifth place on the grid. Max was asked if he could do the same. "I think qualifying could be harder here than at the first races of this season, but we know how to do the right thing in the race itself. We have to be realistic and P5 is not for us this year, but we will try and get the car in the best shape possible and then see what we can do."

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