Max remains realistic: “We aren’t the best team yet”
Published on 19 March 2017 by Mike Motilall
Max Verstappen is present today at Hornbach in Amsterdam. This is a unique possibility for fans to meet Max, before he heads off to Australia where the first Grand Prix of the season will take place next week. Apart from the countless autographs that Max will be signing today, the Dutchman will also do some interviews the massive crowd will be able to listen to.
Max appreciates the huge interest very much: “It is very nice to see so many fans and also that they showed up. It is also good to see that it’s so very much alive in the Netherlands.”
Pre-season testing in Barcelona hasn’t been so consistent for Red Bull Racing. The team hasn’t shown its true colours yet, but there were also some small issues. Especially Ferrari and Mercedes were seen as the front runners during testing. However, Max is reluctant to make any prediction: “It is always hard to say who now has the better car, but it is very obvious that Ferrari is stronger than last year. Mercedes is always up there as well. I think that they are not showing their true potential. The past years that was also the case. For us, it’s hard to say. Personally, I think that we aren’t the best team yet, but we need to wait and see. After qualifying in Australia we will be able to see how it is, based purely on speed. In any case, we are not heading off to Melbourne with the thought of being able to take pole. At this moment, I think that Ferrari and Mercedes will be at the front, but hopefully, like last year, we’ll gradually get into a better rhythm. We can do better, compared to last year, albeit we need to work hard to achieve that. In any case, I will do my best and we will see where we stand.”
Max explains the changes on the car, as a result of the new rules: “There is an enormous difference between last year’s and this year’s car. It looks more aggressive for a start. If you would put them next to each other, last year’s would look like a toy car. With the larger tyres, there isn’t that much room to spare. In certain corners you need to take a different line, or else you’ll hit the curbstones. You need to adjust a little, but there is way more grip which makes it nicer to drive in.”
Just like everyone, Max is also looking forward to the first race of the season, which will take place next weekend in Melbourne. “This is the reason you are doing it for. We have tested and then you reach a certain point when it’s enough and you want to go racing. I also think it’s the excitement of the first race. You are not quite sure where you stand. That makes the whole week even nicer. The weather is always reasonably well in Melbourne. But I saw that it will be ten degrees colder when we get there. It could even rain, which is okay for me.”
Besides Jack Plooi, the crowd was also allowed to ask Max some questions. He says that he doesn’t have superstitious rituals before getting in the car. His most challenging competitor is his team mate Ricciardo. “The only one I can compare myself to is my team mate. The rest in the other cars are of course harder to assess. I can also get along with him better than with the other drivers. On track you try to beat one another, but off track he is very relaxed.”
On the question which circuit is the most challenging, Max doesn’t have to think too long: “I guess I have to say Monaco”, says Max with a smile. Despite the disappointing race, the youngster was able to do some nice overtaking in the tight streets of the city he now resides in. A thing that will be more challenging this year: “Overtaking will be more difficult due to the wider cars. Qualifying is the most important. After that you need to stay in the middle during the race and no one will get pass you then.”
At a DIY the subject of small chores can obviously not be avoided. Despite his busy schedule, Max sometimes also has small chores to do: “Of course, when you are moving, you tend to be busy for a while.” Even then, the chore has something to do with racing. “The last time I was busy doing a chore, it was putting together my simulator. I then connected the steering wheel to the television sets”, he explains.
In conclusion, Max’ greatest wish? “Wishing to become world champion is too easy. You also need to fight for it. I just want the best car and the rest is up to you.”
