Max Verstappen, along with his Formula 1 colleagues, is on the eve of the nineteenth Grand Prix weekend of the season. After victories in Italy and Azerbaijan and a hard-fought podium finish in Singapore, the Dutchman hopes to carry this momentum into Austin. “It’s another sprint weekend, so we need to be in form quickly,” concludes Verstappen.
Max Verstappen was able to keep both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, behind him with his second place in Singapore, gradually closing in on both men in the drivers’ championship. The Dutchman, therefore, hopes to maintain this momentum for the GP in Austin. “We made a positive step in Singapore,” Verstappen reflects in the official preview. “We have had a series of strong races recently and want to keep that momentum. Hopefully, we can perform even better this weekend.”
However, the four-time world champion is not leaving that last part to chance. “I went back to the factory this week to prepare on the simulator. The team has worked extremely hard and we have analyzed where we can improve,” reveals Verstappen.
Challenges and Expectations at the Circuit of the Americas
The Circuit of the Americas is a bumpy track, and according to the Dutch driver, this is one of the challenges. “On this circuit, it’s about finding the right balance between speed on the straights and downforce for the fast corners. The bumps can also always make it difficult. Austin is a cool city with delicious food, so it’s always fun to race there. It’s another sprint weekend, so we need to be in form quickly, as there is less time to fine-tune things. However, that’s a challenge for everyone.”
Increased Confidence in the Car
Teammate Yuki Tsunoda had less success in Singapore. The Japanese driver did not get further than twelfth place, but hopes to turn the tide at COTA. “I’m looking forward to the weekend in Austin,” says the driver, who, in addition to the race, is also looking forward to the famous Texas barbecue. “However, my focus is on the track and I’m going to try to get the most out of the weekend. Sprint weekends are always challenging in their own way. All the work you do on the car on Friday has to be right. Since Baku, I have more confidence in the car, and everything is starting to go better for both me and my team. Singapore was still challenging, but here in Austin, I hope we can find the right working window again to get the best out of myself and the car.”
