Max Verstappen on Bahrain circuit: 'Always tough on tyres'

Published on 20 November 2020 by Bryan van Berlo

After the Turkish Grand Prix, Formula 1 is preparing for the last three races of the season in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen reflects on the race in Istanbul. He topped the practice times in Turkey but just missed out on pole after a chaotic and wet qualifying session.

“Although the track conditions were very tricky on Friday I was pleased with the balance we found”, says the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver. “The car was working well. We felt we had good momentum for the weekend so it was obviously disappointing for everyone in the Team to finish sixth in the race as it was not where we hoped or expected to be. We had some issues and also seemed to eat up the rear tyres quicker than others. It is not only me but everyone in the Team who left Turkey disappointed but that is because we all want to win. We always look forward as you cannot change what happened at the last race. I do not expect that we will see these type of track conditions again though so the last races will probably be more straight forward.”

Verstappen concludes with a preview of Bahrain, where the Grand Prix will be held next weekend: “I always enjoy the night races as they have such a different feel and I think it is good to have it at the end of the year as it is a nice change. For the first race, it is a track we know very well but it is always tough on tyres so it will be important to find a good set-up to work around that.”