Max: “Trying to close the gap to Mercedes”
Published on 25 August 2016 by Stefan Meens
After the summer break, the circus that is Formula 1 is back. First stop, the Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes Forrest.
During the FIA’s press conference, Max Verstappen was one of the drivers asked to reflect on their summer. “I spend most of my time with family and friends, which is always good. The last couple of days I stayed at my dad’s home.”
Speaking of home, Spa is the closest thing to a home race for Max. “Yeah, it feels like my home event, even though I haven’t raced as much here. But it is definitely the closest track to where I grew up, so I’m expecting a lot of fans. I’m really looking forward to it!”
With Belgian’s very own Stoffel Vandoorne in contention for a place on the grid for 2017, the Dutch fans might have some competition from their Belgian counterparts. “It’s positive for Belgian motorsport and we’ll no doubt see more Belgian flag. They will have to compete with the Dutch ones. We’ll see what happens but if Vandoorne gets a seat, that would be great.”
Looking forward to the on track action, Max is hoping Red Bull Racing can capitalize on the edge his team seamed to have at the last Grand Prix in Hockenheim. “The last few races have been very positive for us. We’ve now got the jump on Ferrari. Now the most important thing is to stay ahead, and try to close on Mercedes, even though I think that will be very hard. We keep pushing and keep developing. So far it’s been positive.”
