Max predicts Grand Prix Emilia Romagna: 'Third place'

Published on 30 October 2020 by Stefan Meens

On the Friday prior to this weekend’s Grand Prix at Imola, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen caught up with Ziggo Sport’s Jack Plooij to look ahead to the upcoming race at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

This weekend’s Grand Prix is a two-day event, with only one 90 minute practice session. Despite the condensed format of the weekend, Max did not enjoy an extra day off. “I had to travel to the circuit a day early to do a COVID-19 test. The rules for that have been tightened after the Nurburgring. I was at Imola at 1pm on Thursday and spend the rest of the day in my hotel room, which wasn’t ideal.”

With only one practice session before qualifying, hitting the ground running is crucial: “It’s important that the car feels good from the start. If you have a lot of issues with the balance, that might be difficult. But if you can find a good set-u from the start, that’s always nice. Generally speaking, we have a good simulator, but you always have to wait and see when you return to a track where you haven’t raced in years as a team.”

In the paddock and press there is a lot of talk who will be Max’ Red Bull Racing colleague in 2021. “I get along with everyone and it’s not my call. I leave that to the team.”

On his expectations for the weekend, Max is clear: “Third place”, concludes the Dutchman concise.

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