Max after Friday in Japan: 'I brought my PlayStation, so it will work out'

Published on 12 October 2019 by Kees-Jan Koster

After the first two free practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen spoke to Olav Mol of the tv programme Formula 1 Café, which can be seen every Friday evening around 22.30 on Ziggo.

Looking back on the first two free practice sessions on the challenging circuit of Suzuka, which the Dutchman finished in the end in third position, Max says: “This is absolutely a great circuit, especially the first sector, it is unbelievably quick. Especially if you drive with less fuel, it is so good.”

Asked about the new fuel Aston Martin Red Bull Racing is using this weekend, Max answers: “Yes, it is absolutely an improvement. More power and trust.”

On the comment of Olav that the practice starts did not go as they should today, Max responds: “We have worked on the software, because we us the new fuel. We tried a couple of things and the last two practice starts went well.”

Max continues: “I was not happy with the first practice, the second practice was better. Of course, there is still some work to do. This is a circuit where Mercedes is always strong. And they have brought some upgrades too, just like us. I do not expect that we can beat them, but it looked a lot more positive during the second free practice.”

Looking ahead to qualifying, which will be on Sunday morning because of the bad weather in Japan, and the cancelled third free practice, Max says: “The less we drive, the better it is for me. There is less time to familiarise with the circuit and improve yourself. I do not mind that we will not drive tomorrow. Of course, it is sad for the fans, but personally I am alright with it. I brought my PlayStation, so I am sure it will work out.”

Japanese GP contest: win a 1:43 scale model: Max' first Japanese podium in 2016!