Verstappen pleased to return to happy overtaking ground

Max Verstappen says this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix provides F1 drivers with great opportunities to make overtaking moves, a field where the Toro Rosso ace has already established his reputation.

For his maiden visit to Shanghai International Circuit 12 months ago, Verstappen put on quite a show, as the Dutch teenager pulled off several eye-catching passes during his recovery from 13^th on the grid.

“I like China, I remember I had some good overtakes there!” Verstappen said. “The first four corners of the circuit, Turns 1 to 4, are a very special part and tricky to get right.

“Another part of the track that I enjoyed last year was Turn 6. I did a good move there! I couldn't overtake [Force India’s Sergio] Perez on the straight, so I had to do it somewhere else.

“I got a good exit out of Turn 5 and, approaching Turn 6, where you normally brake late – as it's a hairpin – I managed to overtake him by braking even later than usual. It's a big relief when you finally get passed a rival and I was very happy.”

The 18-year-old further recalls that the second half of the Chinese venue layout features a good overtaking spot at the end of the immense back straight.

“Turns 7, 8, 9 and 10 are hard on the tyres, so you have to save the rears a bit to get good traction out of there,” Verstappen added. “Another thing I remember from this circuit are the overtakes at Turn 14 – I prepared myself well down the long straight each time and in the end managed to get by from very far!

“Unfortunately, last year I had a little issue on the main straight with only a few laps to go… And had to retire. I will try not to think about it this year and fight to see the chequered flag in the best possible position”.

Having fought his way up to eighth, Verstappen’s storming charge in Shanghai was halted when he suffered a drivetrain issue on his Toro Rosso on Lap 52 of 56.

PROFILE: Paddy Lowe, the pioneer