Max Verstappen exclusive: "With a bit of luck, records will come my way"

Published on 28 February 2018 by Stefan Meens

During the first Formula 1 pre-season test in Barcelona, Verstappen.nl caught up with Max Verstappen to preview the 2018 season.

Max, after a long winter, you're reunited with your team. Your dad always gave all his mechanics a HiFi set when he was at Benetton. Is there anything you've give to your mechanics to thank them or motivate them?
“At the end of last year, I all gave them a scale model. I gave one to everyone in the factory, so quite a few! Everyone seemed happy with it!”

Do you collect scale models yourself?
“I don't have any. I think my dad has a few. I just never really got to it.”

Talking of merchandise, your recently visited your own Max Verstappen store in Swalmen, the Netherlands. That must've been quite the experience!
“It's really nice. It's cool to see so many people go there. It was also the first time I saw my Toro Rosso in the shop. Of course, I drove it but it's cool to see it displayed.”

Fernando Alonso has his own museum, dedicated to his career. Is that something you'd like?
“Maybe later, not just now. We are collecting. So I could start a museum now, but it wouldn't have that much in it. Of course there would be a lot of karting memorabilia but less stuff from my car racing career.

Talking about karting, do you miss it?
“The great thing about kartin was you'd just turn up and drive. No restriction. It's all a bit more relaxed.”

Do you still find time to jump in a kart?
“I haven't really properly done karting in a year and a half. I just don't have the time. Not even in the winter; too busy training!”

Recently, you went karting against world-famous DJ Martin Garrix. Was he any good? Would you be able to do a DJ set?
“It was indoor karting so it was a bit different, but he wasn't bad at all. He was definitely closer to me in pace than I'd ever be close to him in terms of DJ-ing. I haven't had any practice so I would't be able to do a set.”

You're part of a British team. The Brits are known for their sense of humor. Have the mechanics played any pranks on you yet?
“We have a lot of fun together but we're not really prankers. We just joke about certain things and the stuff we experience together.”

You're dad's at this year's opening test. How much has his influence changed in the past three years?
“It's all a bit more relaxed as I've done a fair amount of races now myself. The first year he was always in the garage, but that's no longer necessary. I just relax and prepare for the days I have to drive.

Once the season gets under way, you'll be travelling a lot. How do you get through all those flights?
“Sleeping and watching movies!”

I thought you've would've taken your PlayStation for a game of FIFA?
“Yes I would, but it doesn't work on a plane, not enough power. Trust me, I tried! Luckily it works here in Barcelona.”

In the last few years, you've travelled a lot. Are you used to it or do you still experience jet lag?
“It's all right. I think it'll get worse the older I get. But I sleep well and try to schedule travel in a way that a bit of lag doesn't impact the days I'm driving. We usually travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday to acclimatise to the time difference.”

We talked about someone like Fernando Alonso before, a double world champion. Are records important for you?
“I do look at them, but it's too soon to focus on them. Wit a bit of luck the records will come my way once we've got the best car. Of course I'll always do my best.”

Finally, if you'd ever have kids of your own, would you want them to drive in F1?
“That's up to them. My parents never pushed me, it was all me! You can force it, but eventually kids will quit if they don't enjoy it.”