Red Bull allows Max the time to adjust - Jos
- Published on 09 May 2016 13:23
-
- By: Rob Veenstra
Despite Mercedes and Ferrari's obvious interest, Jos Verstappen says his son Max has pledged his "long term" future to Red Bull. The Verstappen and Red Bull camps shocked the F1 world last week by announcing that the 18-year-old Dutchman will graduate with immediate effect from the junior outfit Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish grand prix.
And now father Jos has revealed to verstappen.nl: "It is a long term contract, that is of course very important for us. "Red Bull has given Max the chance to make his debut in formula one, and I think that you need to honour that with loyalty. Red Bull gives us a sense of comfort," he said. "Max is now running in one of the three top teams in formula one. What more can you want?"
Many, however, worry that Verstappen will find himself under too much pressure too early in his career -- the kind of pressure that Dr Helmut Marko says cost Daniil Kvyat his place at the former world champion team. "There is always pressure," Jos answers. "There is now and there was last year when he entered as a 17-year-old."
And Jos said his son has also been assured that Red Bull has the patience to allow the youngster to adjust to his new team. "He will have to deal with a new car, other ways of working and the whole team," he said. "Max needs to start slowly, get to know the car and step by step find the limits. Red Bull Racing is allowing him that time."
Max himself, however, thinks his period of adjustment should not have to last too long. "If that goes well, I believe we can get close to a podium this year," he said. Max said he is particularly looking forward to the Renault engine update that is due at the Canadian grand prix next month. "Mercedes and Ferrari are naturally slightly stronger than us," he told De Telegraaf newspaper. "In a few races when we get the update with the engine, it looks much more positive." (GMM)
2
Replies (8)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Oh I don't think so, Riccardo will be creaming this boy left right and center, after that he is going to give the honey badger smirk saying NEXT.
Time to wreck all these hype kids send them home packing.
FerrariRules
Posts: 2,957
So when is McLaren going home. Been underperforming for years now ;)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, depending on how next year play out, we could see a stronger McLaren next year. They designed the concept chassis after all.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
@FERRARIRULES, McLaren have decades of success and history, you cant win 'em all ;) I know this kid is some big hype and all that just don't expect everyone to buy into the BS wholesale. Most of us prefer actual results over hot air
Vet5
Posts: 225
Yeah I agree @MCLARENFAN1968, there is far too much hype over Verstappen, and Ricciardo will wipe the floor with him, and then everyone will see his true colours. RBR were far too quick to promote him, they should have awaited the end of the year and see the results, not just points wise but his entire performance, he may be good for a few laps but Sainz has been really good at looking after the tyres (Except for Australia)
FerrariRules
Posts: 2,957
Ghehe.. off course I would like the battle back between Ferrari and McLaren. Has been a great fight in the past.
But thinking that Ricciardo will have it easy against Max is a bit much. Just as the hype around Max is.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I doubt Max will keep up with Ricciardo at first, after all he will be new to the car, will have new engineers and such working with him, and so on... So he is bound to be at a disadvantage. And he tend to be a bit overconfident, and that wont benefit him in a new car. If he cool down a bit he might be able to catch up with Ricciardo given time, RB+Ves will hardly be an instant success.
FerrariRules
Posts: 2,957
@Calle
He will have to get used to the team and car for a few races off course. But i do expect him to keep up with Ricciardo in a few races. Ricciardo will have the upper hand in qualifying for some time i believe. But in the races he will be up to speed after a few races.