Max after a strong 2019: 'Time to stay at home and take it easy'

Published on 09 December 2019 by Stefan Meens

A week after the final Formula 1 race of the 2019 season, Max Verstappen featured as a guest on Ziggo Sport’s Peptalk. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver reflected on a year in which he won three Grands Prix and finished third in the championship standings.A week after the final Formula 1 race of the 2019 season, Max Verstappen featured as a guest on Ziggo Sport’s Peptalk. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver reflected on a year in which he won three Grands Prix and finished third in the championship standings.

His overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the British Grand Prix in Silverstone was chosen as the pass of the year at the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Paris. “That was a nice and aggressive race; a bit of wheel banging, going off-track. It all worked out well. Post-Austria, the stewards were more lenient, which I like.”

Looking ahead to 2020, Max does not feel any pressure. “Of course, there might be pressure when we have a good car and start the season well. We know we want to win and we’re very focussed to be in that position. If during the season, we’re fighting for victories, the pressure will mount, but I think that everyone at Red Bull has enough experience to deal with that.”

How do you know if you have a good engine? “Our engine was, compared to Mercedes at the end of the season, good. Ferrari is still the benchmark, but we’ll have to improve the car as well. On that front, Mercedes is still very strong.”

Next year also features the first Dutch Grand Prix in 35 years. Despite it being Max’ home race, the Dutchman is not involved in the design and development of the Zandvoort Circuit. “I wouldn’t want that. Apart from a few changes, the track stays largely the same. There’ll be some extra space.”

For the remainder of 2019, Max is planning a restful time off. “I’ll stay at home and take It easy.”