Max positive about season start: 'But still many races we also want to win'
Published on 01 June 2021 by Kees-Jan Koster
On Monday evening Max Verstappen flew to Austria, where he was a guest on behalf of Red Bull Racing in the programme Sport & Talk of ServusTV. During the TV broadcast from Hangar-7 a variety of topics was discussed, starting of course with the historical victory of Max in Monaco.
You are leading the Formula 1 world championship, what does that make you feel? Max: “Of course it is great, but it is still a long season. It was a fantastic weekend for the whole team. The first races in 2021 went well, but there are still many races we also want to win. The race in Monaco was fabulous, and to be first in the championship is fantastic, but next weekend in Baku we also need to win.”
Max continues: “The whole weekend in Monaco went great. Previous years in Monaco did not go so well, with my own mistakes and little luck. Now we have won Monaco and are leading both the drivers’ championship and the constructors, that is very important.”
What has been important to get where you are now? “I think self-confidence”, says Max. “Not only in Formula 1, but I have had that during my whole career. I know every weekend what to do. At times it goes better than other times, but generally it has not been bad.”
You are competing against Lewis Hamilton for the championship. How do you relate to him? Max: “We get along just fine. We have had some cool fights on the track, and hopefully that will continue during the rest of the year. Mercedes is still very strong on the normal circuits. In previous years we have been too slow in the beginning of the season. This year our start was a lot better and more competitive. We have a good chance.”
Looking back on the first five Grands Prix, Max summarises: “We could have done better in some occasions. In Bahrain we should have won. Imola was good. Mercedes was a bit quicker in Portugal and Spain. But we are first. Everyone makes mistakes and I think this year we made the least mistakes up to now.”
Looking ahead to the coming races, Max says: “Up to now we have not had much luck in Baku, but that was the same for Monaco. So maybe this year it will be a good race. We will see how we perform. Circuit Paul Ricard will not be easy: because of the many long corners it is hard to find the right setup. I am positive, but Mercedes will be very close.”
Then there are two races in Austria. Fist the extra Styrian Grand Prix (25th - 27th June) and a week later the original Austrian Grand Prix (2nd - 4th July). Both home races for Red Bull and fans will be allowed to watch again. Max: “The orange army always assisted me, also during the two races I won there. The last one in 2019 was super, with the overtake for victory in the penultimate lap. There were some fans in Monaco, but there will be many more in Austria, which will create a great atmosphere.”
