2023-10-09 17:48:00
After another victory, and success in the Qatar Grand Prix became Max Verstappen’s 49th victory in Formula 1, the three-time world champion commented on the events of the past weekend, without hiding the fact that this time he had a harder time than usual.
Question: Max, victory in the Qatar Grand Prix is the first in the status of a three-time world champion. It looks like you had no difficulties from start to finish – is that true?
Max Verstappen: I think overall it was a good race. I think that it was the first part of the distance that made my race – I think we overcame it confidently and worked well with the tires. After that we had slightly different tactics compared to McLaren and I was able to stay on the track longer on most sets. Although because of this, at some moments I may have lost a little.
Therefore, sometimes my lead was reduced a little, and also when I was driving on hard tires, I think I also lost some time in the last two or three laps before the pit stop, but that was because of the traffic. In addition, the last pit stop was not the fastest, so, of course, the McLaren drivers were very close.
They are generally very fast all weekend. It looked like they were increasing the pace more and more as the fuel in the tanks became less. Again, due to the three mandatory pit stops, our tactics were not ideal as the RB19 works well with the tyres. It would have been better for us if the stints were longer, but everyone was on an equal footing and everyone had to make those pit stops.
In addition, this probably made it a little more difficult for us, because we had to attack with full force. As you saw, after the finish many riders were very tired.
Question: Can you tell us a little more about these restrictions, due to which each set could only be completed for a maximum of 18 laps? How did this affect your tactics, and how much harder was it physically for you?
Max Verstappen: Of course, in this situation it was possible to go a little faster. Of course, it’s a pity that we had to resort to such restrictions, but we managed to avoid problems with the tires, which, of course, was most important.
Question: What can you say about the asphalt surface on the Losail highway? This year it was completely updated – did the grip improve as the race progressed?
Max Verstappen: I think it’s improved a little. Perhaps when we come here next year it will be even better, but it all depends on how actively the track is used. But so far there is only one racing trajectory on it. I guess next time Formula 1 drivers shouldn’t be the first to drive on this track because it looks kind of stupid.
During training, the cars were slipping, there was no grip, and I believe that when the asphalt on the track is completely fresh, we need someone to drive on it before us. This would help a lot. It would also be easier to deal with the tires, because it was because of this that we had to limit the number of laps on one set. In general, I think that after this weekend we need to draw some conclusions.
Question: Logan Sargent pulled out of the race because he wasn’t feeling well. It seemed like it was getting harder and harder for the riders closer to the finish line. Do you think that when Formula 1 races are held in such conditions, perhaps this goes beyond reasonable limits?
Max Verstappen: Yes, even before going here, I looked at the weather forecast, so I was looking forward to this weekend without much enthusiasm. It’s just too hot here, and I agree with Lando Norris: it’s not that we need to train harder.
I think the guys who had problems today are exceptionally fit, perhaps even more fit than me, but it’s like being in a sauna all day. In addition, by evening the humidity also increased.
Such races last quite a long time, but Qatar is not the only place like this. The race in Singapore also lasts almost two hours, and it is also very hot there. I think all this is on the borderline of what is acceptable. There’s a lot to think about here. But today it was definitely too hot.
Question: Worse than Singapore?
Max Verstappen: Pilot? Yes, the heat made the cockpit uncomfortable, and that’s not a good thing.
Question: Do you consider the McLaren drivers to be your main rivals?
Max Verstappen: I think that now this team is performing more consistently than the others. And I also think that McLaren has the strongest squad and the team works very effectively. In general, the end of the season promises to be interesting, and it will also be interesting to see what the balance of power will be at the beginning of next year.
Question: Oscar Piastri said that due to the limited number of laps on one set of tires and the three mandatory pit stops, it felt like he drove all 57 laps at qualifying pace. Do you think so too?
Max Verstappen: I think these restrictions put us at a disadvantage because we usually drive longer periods and at the same time try to protect the tires. Today was different, of course, as the segments were shorter.
At some point, my engineer said that we need to speed up a little, but we always have a certain speed reserve. I need to rewatch the race to better understand what was happening behind me. I suppose if we had to, we could have gone even faster, but in any case I don’t want to belittle McLaren’s achievement.
They did a great job, we see that they are gradually catching up with us, so, of course, we need to try to maintain this lead.
Question: It’s probably too early to ask you about this, but nevertheless: you have already won three titles, but have you thought about your future legacy? About what will remain after you? For example, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton react to social problems, and Fernando Alonso shares his experience with young people through his karting project…
Max Verstappen: I have big plans related to both racing and the desire to help young talents. We all, at least the majority, went through karting at one time, but now it has also become a very expensive pleasure.
That’s why I have my own eSports team and I believe that virtual racing offers great opportunities. I see some guys showing impressive potential and they can do well in real racing as well.
Hopefully in a few years I’ll be able to help some virtual racing artists get behind the wheel of real cars. This does not mean that they will reach Formula 1, but at least they will be able to compete in endurance racing. Now I am very interested in this, and let’s hope that soon I will be able to implement my project.
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#weekend #draw #conclusions