Max previews Turkish GP with special livery and overall: 'Excited'

Published on 06 October 2021 by Niels Hendrix

Talking to Max Verstappen, ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix that replaces the Japanese Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing driver is asked what he will miss most about the race at Suzuka. Max says: “I really enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix so it’s a shame that we will miss it. I will miss the fans the most, it’s always a lot of fun seeing the fans in Japan as they are so passionate about Formula 1. I also hope they like the new livery that we have on the car this weekend.”

You’ll be racing in a unique livery and race suit this weekend, are you excited to see the car and does it feel special to race in a one off race livery? Max: “It always feels special to race for Honda, even without the special livery. For us as a team and for Honda to miss out on the Japanese GP is a shame, but it’s cool that we can do something in Turkey instead to celebrate. I’m excited to see the it and it’s really special to have the car look different for a race so I’m looking forward to that.”

What are your happiest memories of racing with Honda? Max answers: “My happiest memories with Honda are of course the wins, especially my first win with them, that was very emotional. Working together with Honda has been such a pleasure and they are super motivated every single race and they are super passionate in terms of delivering the best they can all the time. So it has been really enjoyable working with them.”

Last year’s Turkish GP was one to forget, how are you feeling heading into this race weekend? Max: “Last year’s Turkish GP was of course not the best weekend for us as a team but I think it will be quite different circumstances this year, hopefully the tarmac will be a bit more grippy. I think it will be quite a new weekend in general for everyone, there will be a lot to learn so I’m looking forward to seeing how competitive we are there.”