Max excited about Interlagos return: 'I think we can be strong'
Published on 11 November 2021 by Stefan Meens
After a Covid-19 induced hiatus, Formula 1 is back at Interlagos for the Brazilian Grand Prix, an event Max won the last time it was staged in 2019. The Dutchman remembers: “It was a great battle with Lewis and I’m expecting something similar this year. Mercedes will be closer than last week when the altitude played a factor. So I’m expecting them to be stronger.”
In 2018, Max dominated the race until a collision with backmarker Esteban Ocon demoted the Red Bull Racing driver to second. Nevertheless, Max arrives confidently at the Interlagos paddock. “We’ve always scored well at this track so I’m looking forward to get stuck in. Of course, things have changed over the last few years, but I think we can be strong here.”
Recently. an official F1 survey claimed Max is currently the most popular driver worldwide, and in Brazil the Dutchman has always enjoyed strong support. “It helps I’m fighting for the title. But generally, we have good results here and I always love being here. It’s a great track and many Brazilians are race-mad so that all fits well.”
The Brazilian GP weekend is the third and final event of the season that features a sprint race, meaning the weekend schedule is altered with FP1 and qualifying on Friday. “It’s really important to have the set-up right after the first practice session because after qualifying, the cars go in parc ferme.”
Max is not necessarily a big fan of the format, which also features FP2 and the sprint on Saturday. “The excitement is really at the start, because after that, there are not many overtakes. So I think they could make some changes to the format. But if the fans like two starts per weekend, then why not? Personally, I’m more old school. And if the teams are competitive and closely matched, nothing needs changing, really.”
A final question relates to the outcome of the 2021 championship battle: If you became world champion, would you race with the number 1 on your car? “Absolutely, how often do you get that chance?”, said Max, who added with a smile: “It’s also good for the merchandise”.
Regardless, Max is not entertaining the thought of a possible world title. “I just focus on the Grand Prix weekend ahead and try to extract the most out of what we have. It’s pretty simple, if I keep finishing in front of Lewis, he won’t get closer.”
Contest Brazilian GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed orange RBR Driver Cap 2021!
