Jos Verstappen on Max' DNF: 'It could have been different'
Published on 02 November 2020 by Stefan Meens
Max Verstappen was heading for an excellent second place at the Grand Prix Emalia-Romagna until a puncture prompted a DNF for the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver. Together with Max’ father Jos Verstappen, Ziggo Sport’s Peptalk looked back on the weekend’s F1 action and the 2020 season thus far.
“It was really tough”, said Jos about the moment Max’ right-rear tyre exploded. “It was completely unexpected. Luckily, it happened on a safe spot. If it had happened four corners later, it could’ve been a lot different. But it still a rotten situation.”
Asked how he reflects on the rest of the season, Jos is realistic: “It is a difficult season with four DNFs; three in Italy and one in Austria. We are getting closer near the end of the season. I think the last race was closer and the car has improved a bit. I just hope they build a better car next year and Max has the chance to fight for the championship.”
During the previous race weekend, in Portimao (Portugal), Red Bull Racing tested next year’s floor. Jos: “They are busy in the wind tunnel to develop next year’s car. They want to verify the tunnel figures with the on-track data. That’s why they tried the floor, an important part of car, in Portimao.”
Jos continued saying there are more opportunities next year, “but we have to improve the car and the engine. I know Honda will introduce a new engine which is already better than this year’s Power Unit. So it’s looking positive on that front, but the others are working hard too, so we’ll have to wait and see until we have the new car.”
Finally, Jos was asked what his thoughts were on Red Bull’s second seat next to Max, currently occupied by Alex Albon. “At the moment it’s just not good enough. Max needs a strong team mate because then the last race could’ve had a different outcome. So it’s important that there’s a strong driver next to Max. We all know it’s between Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg. It’s going to be one of those three. I have the same preference as Max.”
