Max reflects on free practice: 'Better balance than last year'
Published on 27 October 2018 by Stefan Meens
At the end of the first day of the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen reflected back on his Friday with Ziggo Sport’s Olav Mol. “We still don’t know what the problem is. Something hydraulic. I lost the pressure in the break pedal so I decided to park the car before I’d run out of run-off area”, explained Max regarding his early end to FP2.
Earlier that session, the Dutchman’s RB14 struggled with engine braking issues. “Every time I lifted the throttle, it was like pulling the hand brake. Also, I wasn’t happy with my fastest lap but we’re still quick enough and I think there is room for more.”
At the last race, the US GP in Austin, Texas, Max had to start near the back of the grid due to an engine penalty. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver is confident a penalty will not be served this time. “We didn’t use a specific Friday engine and gearbox, this is our race power-unit so we shouldn’t get a penalty.”
Looking ahead of qualifying, Max is positive. “I feel we have a better balance than last year. Compared to Daniel, I’m able to put in competitive laps fairly easy. I think Mercedes and Ferrari struggle more with altitude aerodynamically which means it’s all a bit closer.”
Max added: “Today was also better than expected. But if you’re 1.2 seconds quicker than the other teams, I’m hoping tomorrow should be a good one. We can go faster, bearing in mind the problems we had today – which were resolved for the long runs – there is some time to gain.”
