Max wants to score big time in Singapore: “Hopefully the podium”
Published on 15 September 2016 by Mike Motilall
“Singapore should be in our advantage. But how well, we don’t know yet. Looking at the previous years, it is one of the best tracks for Red Bull Racing. Hopefully we can fight for the podium”, a feisty Max Verstappen says, under the artificial light. Why is Singapore so favourable for the RB12? “We have always been strong in slower corners and on this track, that will help us.”
Is your approach, having a year’s experience, different now? “We will try not to let the car stall at the start”, Max quite wittingly remarks with a smile. “Last year, the whole weekend was very positive. Despite having been a lap-and-a-half down, I still managed to finish in eighth. My race was very good, I was very happy with that.”
You were also able to do some nice overtake moves! “On street circuits it is a matter of positioning yourself when you negotiate the corner, before you overtake. Downforce doesn’t play that much of a role then. On this track, your tyres wear off considerably, so if you are able to manage your tyres well, that also helps.”
What is the challenge of Singapore? “Because of the artificial light and the many challenging turns, where it is hard to find the right line, it is a very demanding circuit. A true drivers circuit where you need to find the limits. Besides, it is physically seen, the most demanding race of the year: with the high humidity and the many corners, there is barely a moment to rest during a lap, that’s what makes it demanding. But that is good, that’s what I like. It is one of my favourite tracks to drive, even more with a good car like I have now.”
How do you prepare yourself for such a strenuous but above all long race? “Lately I have been training outdoors instead of in the gym. I travelled early to Singapore and spend a lot of time outdoors. So not in e.g. an air-conditioned shopping mall, because then your body will not get acclimatized to the conditions. But of course it starts with the preparation of training a lot during the winter period.”
Can you manage your level of fluid intake? “I drink here more than usual, but it is less than you would lose during the race. The drinking continues during the whole day by means of little sips.” And during the race? “Then I drink when I get thirsty. You do know how much fluid you have with you in the car, about 800 ml. Last year, it wasn’t even empty.”
The TAG Heuer power unit has had an upgrade for Singapore, what can you say about that? “Hopefully the upgrade of the engine will be positive, we need to wait. We have good hopes of being competitive here with a good chance of scoring massively. After Friday, we will have a better indication of where we stand. In any case, there is a positive vibe in the team. We always go for the best possible result and try to improve the car every session, that’s the most important thing.”
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