Max about Yas Marina Circuit: 'The track is more flowing'
Published on 09 December 2021 by Kees-Jan Koster
The Thursday ahead of the Grand Prix weekend is normally the day full of media sessions and sponsor commitments. Nowadays remotely of course. It is not any different in Abu Dhabi, and with the decisive final race on Sunday, the attention is enormous.
Max stays relaxed. How were the last couple of days? “Fine”, he says. “I stayed in Dubai and enjoyed food with family and friend, we celebrated the birthday of my girlfriend. Formula 1 is one thing, but there are other important things too. The weather is great in this region, compared to winter Europe.”
The Yas Marian Circuit is modified in three places to make it even faster. Did you test that in the simulator? “Yes, I have driven the modified circuit in the simulator. The track is a bit more flowing, but there are still a couple of off-camber corners. It will be hard to follow. That is not ideal, but in the end that is the same for everyone. I cannot predict if the circuit will suit us better.”
What is your plan in Abu Dhabi? Max: “We will start the weekend with the goal to get the best out of it as a team, and of course to win the race. I will try that here too, to win.”
Round 22 of the Formula 1 World Championship is not only the last but also the decisive race of the season. About his title rival and current world champion, Max says: “We are here both to win, and I will do everything for that, to win the championship. I think we raced well together during the year. We made it into a great show. Hopefully we can do that here too.”
In a sport that is always under a magnifying glass, there are also some negative stories. But Max does not let that distract him. “I do not think you should think too much about negative things, but concentrate on the weekend, to try and win the race and let them see we are the best team.”
“In any case we are the nicest, best and most pleasant team, that is also very important”, concludes Max with a smile.
Prijsvraag GP Abu Dhabi: win een door Max Verstappen gesigneerde 1:2 helm 2021!
