Column: Jos Verstappen - Back on the Hungaroring
Published on 24 July 2015 by Mike Motilall
Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.
“It is scorching hot again in Budapest. Out of this world. Just like in 1994, when I finished in third behind the likes of Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill in the Hungarian Grand Prix. Back then it was also around 40⁰ C. and the heat was killing. The main thing that I took away from that day was that I was completely worn out. Due to all the corners and the heat I was devastated. We didn’t have power steering back then, so it was physically very demanding.
Nineteen years later nothing has changed on the Hungaroring. The straight is somewhat longer and one corner has been slightly adjusted, as for the rest, it seems time has stood still. To my feeling, everything is still the way it was. That Grand Prix in 1994, I will never forget of course. I had just made my debut in Formula 1 at Benetton but got on the podium so quickly, that was really special. If you were to ask me what I can remember of the race, I could only answer: ‘How long do you have?’ It’s still all in my head.
The Hungaroring is a track that, in any case, suited me. The same applies to Max. It is a short track, a lot of corners, so the car’s power doesn’t have to be a decisive factor. If Max’ car performs well, chances are that he is likely to score some decent points coming Sunday. That would be, given my personal experience, fantastic of course.
During the training and qualifying, it should be apparent what the possibilities are, but I have a positive vibe regarding Sunday’s race. The track just suits Max’ car. By the way, I don’t think all of a sudden Mercedes and Ferrari are going to be surprised here. The Mercedes are far superior, so also on the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will have the upperhand.
If there is some surprise to come, it could come from Ferrari. The temperature is about 40⁰ C., add some twenty degrees more because of the asphalt and it is obvious that the tyres are going to get a pounding. Notably Ferrari has an excellent control on tyre degradation, given the heat, it is a trump they can use.
In the meantime, Max is oblivious to all the rumours. His name has been linked to Ferrari again, but we stopped commenting on that. If we hadn't, it would have been a never ending story. However, it is a good sign that the way Max drives is something that appeals to the great many. That is of course something good. So he needs to keep doing what he has been doing so well: ride like the wind.”
Jos Verstappen
Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport
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