Max: 'I demand a lot of the equipment, but I am in F1 to win'
Published on 29 September 2018 by Raymond Snip
After the two free practice sessions on Friday, Max Verstappen spoke with Olav Mol for the TV-show Formula 1 Café, which can be seen on Ziggo every Friday evening at 10.30 pm. When asked if Max approached his Friday differently, knowing that he has to deal with a grid penalty on Sunday, the Dutchman says: "Yes, especially the second free practice. I used an extra set of tyres: two short runs on the hypersofts and a long run on the ultrasofts. And then a long run on used hypersoft tyres. So, I drove a little more than usual."
Max replaced all six elements of the power unit and also has a new gearbox installed. So, he is going to need a lot of overtaking on Sunday. But what is his plan? Max: "Personally, I think we're just going to rely on the speed of the car, that has to be enough to catch up. So, we are not going to put less wing. I think we have enough speed: better acceleration and then use the DRS for overtaking."
In Singapore, Max drove with the C-spec engine, but it is not suitable for high altitude tracks such as Brazil or Mexico. That is why in Russia a new B-spec engine has been installed into the RB14. What do you feel is the difference between the two? "The B-spec has less power, but much better drivability. Also, that engine remains more consistent at its rpm’s, while the C-spec fluctuates more. It’s impossible to make a good start that way. Down shifting is now easier and I ‘m also able to shift up with half throttle."
Max is often quite outspoken when it comes to the engine supplier and the performance provided by the French manufacturer. "I am realistic and straight forward," Max explains. "I demand a lot of the equipment, but I am in Formula 1 to win, not to finish in seventh place. I just have to focus on myself."
