Max ahead of Abu Dhabi GP: 'We're not robots without emotions'
Published on 22 November 2018 by Stefan Meens
In Brazil, Max Verstappen was robbed of a certain win when Force India’s Esteban Ocon tried to unlap himself, hitting the Dutchman’s RB14 in the process. The incident prompted a lot of media attention, not least during the FIA press conference prior to the final Grand Prix of the year in Abu Dhabi.
“I can’t change the outcome, but it’s a real shame”, reflects Max. “It’s always weird to crash with a back marker. You just don’t expect to be hit like that but I don’t know what else I could’ve done.”
Directly after the race at Interlagos, Max and Ocon met in the weighing area where the Frenchman was pushed by the Dutchman. “I have no regrets”, said Max. “I thought I was getting an apology. Instead, I got a totally different response which made me angry. But we all react with emotion, especially straight after a race, with the adrenaline still coursing. We’re not robots without emotion. I had just lost a win so I think my response was pretty calm. It could’ve been a lot worse. A little push happens in every sport. I saw it at a football game a couple of days ago. From my perspective, it was a pretty normal response when emotions have the upper hand.”
Now the dust has settled and all eyes are on the last race of the year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also marks the final competitive outing of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Renault partnership. Next year, the Milton Keynes based outfit will have their power units supplied by Honda. “I’m really looking forward to it. The whole team is. We’re really motivated for next year. We know that we can build a great car and we’re just waiting for the whole package to come together. I definitely notice a difference compared to previous years in which everyone was very motivated to give it their all, but now people are even more looking forward to next year. That extra motivation will help us to be more successful next year.”
Abu Dhabi GP contest: win a by Max signed 1:43 RBR scale model!
