Max: 'We seem more competitive, hopefully also in Portugal'
Published on 25 April 2021 by Kees-Jan Koster
Last week Max won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Starting from third position on a wet track, the Dutchman jumped to the lead, passing his Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez and the Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.
You started in Imola on intermediates and in second gear. Was that crucial in taking the lead? Max says: “Yes, but many drivers do that when it is wet. The engine produces a lot of torque and in second gear there is less wheelspin. Lewis did the same, like we have done for some years now on a wet track. I am very happy we had such a good start, because it was crucial for the race.”
There have been two Grands Prix and after Imola you are closer than ever to the lead in the championship... “There is still a long season to go, and I do not look at that too much”, says Max. “For each Grand Prix I try to perform as good as possible. That is what we must aim for. We had a positive start of the season and I am happy with that. Hopefully we can continue like this.”
Do you think this year is a turning point for Red Bull? Max: “I do not think so. It is a constant process of closing in on Mercedes and this season it is going well up to now. But we must continue to develop and keep working hard.”
Next week the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao is on the programme. How do you rate your chances? Max: “Last year it was tricky because of the new tarmac on Portimao, which made it very slippery. Hopefully it will be better now. I am looking forward to race again because it is an amazing circuit. Up to now we seem more competitive than last year, hopefully also in Portugal.”
The cars will look very different next year. Do you think the new regulations for 2020 will suit you? Max says: “Of course I have not driven the car yet, so I cannot answer that yet. But we know the cars will be slower. I gather that the handling will be different too. But the engines stay the same, with the same or more power but less grip, that will not make it easier. We will see. I think the levels of grip will go back to what is was in 2014 or 2015, that is a big change.”
Do you think the fans will like the 2022 Formula 1 cars? Max: “They will look very different. But what is important, which we all hope for, that it will improve the racing. That is what the fans will like.”
