Jos about race in Sochi: 'Seen Max overtaking regularly, not only in Formula 1'
Published on 01 October 2018 by Mike Motilall
Max Verstappen finished quite decently fifth at the Russian Grand Prix yesterday. The Dutchman, who also celebrated his birthday then, started from nineteenth but was quickly able to move up through the pack to eventually take the checkered flag in fifth. In Ziggo Sport’s Peptalk, father Jos looks back at the race weekend in Sochi as well as at other things.
Despite the fact that father Verstappen was not actually present, he did follow every action very closely: “We call each other after every session, so I am well aware of everything that is happening”, says Jos. “I have seen his overtaking during the race regularly and not just only in Formula 1. You can see him setting up his move very well.”
The pace was alright at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing during the entire race weekend. According to Jos his son Max is therefore happy with the RB14: “Max has been happy all year round with the car, that is also very clear to see. The car is always performing well, even though they are running with less downforce to make up for the lack in top speed. The mechanical grip and downforce on the other hand are just outright good.”
Jos also shares what he thinks of Mercedes’ team order, where Valtteri Bottas had to take one for the team in the interest of the championship. He was ordered to let Hamilton by who subsequently won the race. “I can understand Mercedes”, Jos explains. “The interests of winning the championship are very high. Bottas is also unfortunately not as good as Hamilton. I think it’s quite normal that the team then focusses on Hamilton. Of course it’s a tough one to take for Bottas.”
After a turbulent start of the season, Max has been able to excellently regroup himself. The 21-year-old Dutchman still takes away valuable lessons every race he does, according to Jos: “You can clearly see him progress over the year. After Monaco he has taken some great steps. He thinks more before he acts during the race.” Max is told this: “Several times”, says Jos. “We discuss everything with each other and he does listen to what I have to say. Ultimately it’s up to him to do what he wants, but we have agreed that I always get to say what I want.”
Finally, Jos looks ahead at the coming Japanese Grand Prix, which will be held this weekend: “Japan is a track where you need to have a lot of speed. I am sure that things will work out in the first sector, but after that there are some long straights where they will be falling short. I don’t think there is more in store than a fourth or fifth place finish.”
