Max reflects on first day at Belgian GP: 'It all felt good'
Published on 27 August 2021 by Stefan Meens
Following Friday practice and qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, Ziggo Sport’s Olav Mol caught up with Max Verstappen to discuss the opening day at the Spa-Francorchamps.
Did the crash in the closing stages of FP2 result in a lot of damage? “No, it’s not that bad. Luckily it was the old engine, a Friday gearbox and a floor we’re not going to use anyway. It’s never ideal but it doesn’t affect tomorrow so that’s good.”
You didn’t clock that many laps. Is that because of the damp track? “I was just waiting a bit for the conditions to improve, to avoid just lapping for the sake of it.”
Overall, the car looked good. “Yes, it actually felt good all day. From the first lap, the car had a good balance. It’s nice like that, instead of bumping into problems from the start.”
Nice new helmet! “Yes, it’s again a bit nicer than last year.”
How many engines have you got left? “Three, but only two that are alive and one broken one that has a crack in it. After qualifying in Hungary, when they took away the bodywork, they saw a leak which means we can’t salvage that engine.”
You said that you think it’s odd that if you lose an engine due to a crash that isn’t your fault, you still get an ten-place grid penalty because the engine needs replaced. “I said it’s definitely something that needs looked at. I think it would make people more aware of what they do in a first lap. Perhaps they would be a bit more careful. Anyway, finishing the season with the engines I have left won’t happen.”
The weather forecast says to prepare for ever-changing conditions. Is that and advantage for you? “It can be, but it can also be against you. You sometimes have a bit of luck and sometimes you don’t. Especially in tricky conditions it’s difficult to anticipate. You have to stay focussed.”
Lewis said that there is a new bump at Eau Rouge/Raidillon. “Because of the flooding, there’s a bit of new tarmac, or at least a different type of tarmac than before, so the car bottoms quite a bit. For our car it’s easy flat-out, but for GT cars and the lower formulas, it’s more dangerous to have that bump.”
It is now confirmed that Sergio Perez will race for Red Bull Racing in 2022. Happy? “I think it’s important to continue with two drivers. You know what you’ve got, especially with a new car coming as well. I get along well with Checo and he is a really friendly guy. I hope we can keep gathering points for the team together.”
Ahead of qualifying and Sunday: more grip or top speed? “Both, but a bit more top speed would be great!”
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