Max ahead of FP1 and Friday qualifying 'An important day, the pressure is on'

Published on 22 April 2022 by Stefan Meens

This weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is the fourth round of the 2022 F1 world championship and features the first of three sprint races on the calendar.

Ahead of Friday practice, Max said: “It’s pretty wet today and we haven’t driven these cars in these conditions yet, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens in practice and qualifying. It’ll be an important day and the pressure is on.”

Oracle Red Bull Racing brought some updates for the RB18, but with the challenging weather conditions, it is doubtful if the updates will be introduced. Max: “It depends on how big the updates are and how happy you are with your current package. It also depends on the results you’ve seen in the wind tunnel. In the end, it’s all about much risk you’re willing to take this weekend. That’s a judgement call for all teams to make.”

Despite a win in Jeddah, the start of the 2022 season is not what Max would have hoped for with two DNFs in the first three races. “There were several problems, but these have now been solved. Time will tell if these solutions work. It’s difficult to say, but the team is doing everything they can. Winter testing went really well, but at the first race it all looked different.”

Nevertheless, the reigning champ is keen to get back to racing. “I’m looking forward to this weekend. We’ve been competitive on all circuits so far, some more than others of course. That’s something to build on and we’ll keep improving the car. Of course, it’s essential to finish too.”

Contest GP Emilia Romagna: win a 1:43 Max Verstappen Imola 2021 scale model