Max previews Monza: 'It won't be easy, but I'm hoping for a podium'
Published on 03 September 2020 by Stefan Meens
Max Verstappen is eager to add to his run of six consecutive podium finished as he contests the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend.
Max: “Monza is not a track that really suits us, so a podium will not be easy, but I’m hoping to be there on Sunday. I actually should’ve been on that podium before. In 2018 I finished third but I didn’t stand on the podium”, Max said, referring to a five-second time penalty. “But I’m hoping to be there this year.”
Max explains the challenge for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing around the Temple of Speed based in Northern Italy: “The straights are very long, which isn’t great for us. Hopefully we can find a good balance for the corners to compensate. But it’s just not an easy track for us.”
After seven rounds, Max is second in the World Championship, having secured 110 points to date. The Dutchman has a three point advantage to third-placed Valtteri Bottas, but trails Lewis Hamilton by 47. “We won’t give up, but I’m realistic that we are a bit too slow. We need luck to win. It might look we’re fighting for the title, but the way it’s going, I’ll lose seven points every race. After a while, the difference in points will be enormous. It’s not a depressing thought, but it’s good to remain realistic. We just can’t battle the Mercedes right now.”
