Max ahead of US GP: 'Continue to extract the most out of what we have'

Published on 21 October 2021 by Stefan Meens

After a few days packed with promotional activities, Max Verstappen has joined the rest of the Formula 1 teams and drivers in the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) paddock ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

Asked about Austin and the US, Max said: “I always like to be in America and Austian is always pretty relaxed. It’s good to be here. There is a good atmosphere, the food is good and I’m able to walk around town. Also, the track is great and you can overtake at the end of the second sector.”

The season is a tense battle with rivals Mercedes. Who will have the advantage around COTA? “We’ll see, it’s difficult to say. It depends on the track, the conditions and the wing set-up which part will suit us.”

With only six races remaining, is there still room for improving the car, the RB16B? “At this stage in the championship, we’ll pretty much have the max on our car. I don’t think there is much to change. There won’t be that many new parts but we’ll try to extract the most out of the package.”

Max added: “As a team, you have to make a decision about when it’s time to shift your focus to next year. You can’t keep developing until the final race.”

The remainder of this season will be the last races with this generation of Formula 1 cars. Will you miss them? “In terms of lap times, next year’s cars won’t match it, but I won’t miss almost not being able to follow others.”

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