Max previews Singapore: 'Win maybe too optimistic'
Published on 13 September 2018 by Stefan Meens
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, marks Max Verstappen’s 75th race in Formula 1. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver previews the night race set on the twisty and spectacular street circuit.
“It’s always great to come here, although it is warmer here than at other Grands Prix. Now Malaysia is off the calendar, this is the toughest race of the year. It is a great test for your body. To prepare, we do a bit more training in warmer conditions. Additionally, there are plenty of sessions in the sauna, which is not that great. But we need to get used to losing fluids.
Along with Monaco, the Singapore GP offers Red Bull Racing the best chance at a good result. “It’s too optimistic to say we’ll fight for the win, but we’ll do our best. I hope we can be competitive, but we won’t find out until after qualifying. Who knows, the car might really come alive around here.”
Despite the circuit potentially suiting the RB14, Max emphasis that their lack of power will still hurt in Singapore. “We lack more power now than we did at the same time last year. Also, the straights here don’t help. Nevertheless, we’ll be closer here than on other tracks. Hopefully we can get close to the front with a good set-up.”
Looking back on the previous race, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Max has not changed his mind regarding is incident with Valtteri Bottas – Max received a time penalty after colliding with the Mercedes as the pair braked into turn 1. “I’ve reviewed the footage. Initially, I thought I could’ve given Valtteri a few more millimeters but then I wondered why he hit my wheel; last year the exact same thing happened between Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll. Mass was clever to use a bit of the green run-off.”
“In the end, I can’t change the decision. I won’t lose any sleep over finishing fifth instead of third. We want to win races and not fight for third or fifth.”
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