Austria feels like a home race - Verstappen

Red Bull newcomer Max Verstappen is looking forward to the home race of his team in Austria. The Dutchman likes the country and the track itself, but he also shared his concerns about the track layout.

Asked about the previous races, Verstappen said he was delighted with his performances despite various challenges.

“I think Canada and Baku were pretty positive for me. I enjoyed my defence in Canada and was happy with fourth. It was a really good feeling to have Nico behind me and being able to defend my position. In Baku it was a tricky start with a good end.”

Coming to the topic of the next GP which takes place in Austria, the country of Red Bull, the young star is happy to return to a place which he knows well.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Austria since I was a kid, either skiing or there for go-karting, and I think it’s a very beautiful country in general, and somewhere I feel quite at home.”

Spielberg is a short track and it seems to be easy to tackle, but in reality it is very hard to fully master because of the elevation changes and tricky turn exits.

“In Austria you don’t have so many corners but the elevation changes makes it pretty special, and now driving for Red Bull you feel that even more as it’s our home GP so you feel very welcome by the fans.”

The teen Dutchman counts on his compatriots at the next stage of his young career in Red Bull’s senior team.

“I think this year there are a few Dutch fans who are coming over so I’m looking forward to it.”

Verstappen doesn’t expect his team to excel on home soil as the track requires a powerful engine.

“It might not be the most ideal circuit for our car in terms of performance but it’s still very enjoyable. Last year was actually a very good race – I qualified 7th and then eventually finished 8th so it wasn’t too bad,” said Verstappen.