Formula 1

F1, VERSTAPPEN: “WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC”

Published

3 years ago

17/07/2020

F1, VERSTAPPEN: "WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC"

The Dutch driver has no illusions against the Hungarian GP.

Although Max Verstappen enjoys fighting on the track, he prefers to drive in a car that dominates because, more chance for victory, the better. The Dutchman thinks he will achieve this in the long term at Red Bull Racing; he told AS.

“Usually there is only one team in Formula 1 that is really dominant,” Verstappen said. Looking at the history of the premier class, a team always stands out, he thinks. “Of course I prefer to win in a dominant car. You have more chances to fight for victory every time.”

However, the Red Bull driver has to admit that starting at the back and driving a catch-up race also has thrill. But chances of winning a championship are a lot smaller, he admits: “It’s nice to race from the rear, but if it always has to be that way the chances are smaller. When your teammate starts before you, it gets even more difficult.”

The Dutchman doesn’t believe that winning the championship in a non-dominant car is better than becoming world champion in a car that wins everywhere. “It really depends because you can have a winning car and still make a lot of mistakes.”

The chances of Verstappen winning the title this year are becoming slim since Mercedes has a good lead over the rest of the field. The German team’s power unit is suspected of having about 20 HP advantage over other engines. But in curvy Hungary, it should make less difference, and there are opportunities for teams with better downforce.