Max after Friday practice: 'Just put a wall instead'

Published on 18 June 2021 by Stefan Meens

Following Friday practice at the French Grand Prix, Ziggo Sport’s Olav Mol caught up with Max Verstappen to discuss the opening day at Paul Ricard.

Tyres have been a major talking point ever since the tyre blowouts in Baku. How do tyres feel after three hours in the tyre blankets? “You just have less grip, also with the higher tyre pressure. Of course, it’s the same for everyone. The tyres are still the right temperature, so when you leave the pits, you do have grip.”

For this weekend, you have a new power-unit. Can you feel the difference? “Of course we haven’t use the qualifying setting yet. But during the season you can’t do many upgrades so I don’t expect huge leaps. It all feels good.”

Bad starts appear no longer to be an issue? “I have to say, our starts have been good this year. We really made a step forward. Especially in the way the engine picks up when you release the clutch. That’s of course important.”

A small mistake on this circuit can lead to a lot of damage. “I’m generally speaking not a fan of those sausage kerbs; just put a wall instead. That’s better and drivers will be on the wrong side less often. I had a lot of damage that costs a lot of money to repair and that’s just a shame. It was of course an accident; you’re not aiming to drive on that edge because it’s not even faster. It’s just a shame to have so much damage.”

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