Last week, just before the start of the Australian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen gave rookie Gabriel Bortoleto some special advice. The Dutchman shared this during a conversation in China. “After the national anthem, he asked me what tyres I was going to start with in the rain. I said: Intermediates, you’ll be fine,” he revealed.
In this way, Verstappen assisted Sauber driver Bortoleto with his tyre choice, a decision that was not straightforward at first glance. How wet was the track and how much more rain was expected? The rookie took the initiative and decided to ask Verstappen for his opinion, considering his experience as a four-time world champion and a ‘rain master’. “And I’m not one to be secretive,” the Dutchman added.
What helps is the rapport that the two already share. There is a great mutual respect, and since they are not competing against each other on the track, a piece of good advice does not hurt. Verstappen said, “I often talk to ‘Gabi’, he’s a nice guy and a good driver. I like his approach: a hard worker, passionate about Formula 1. So, if he asks me something, I won’t keep things to myself.”
‘Max, what are you going to do?’
Hence the sincere answer after Bortoleto asked about Verstappen’s tyre choice following the national anthem. “‘Max, what are you going to do?’ he asked. I said: Intermediates.” He replied, ‘Really?’ The Dutchman then advised Bortoleto on what to do with those tyres. According to Verstappen, he was not surprised by the question. “It’s normal, it’s his first race and that’s always stressful. And in this case, it’s also intimidating, with such challenging, rainy conditions to debut in. If he has questions, I will always answer them.”
