Max Verstappen says the Red Bull Ring, home of next weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, is “not the most ideal circuit” for his Renault-powered RB12.
The Dutchman heads to Red Bull’s own track on the back of mature performances in Canada and Azerbaijan, which saw him bounce back from a scruffy Monaco showing to outscore his more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo 16-12.
“I think Montreal and Baku were pretty positive for me,” Verstappen said. “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.”
The 18-year-old admits this year’s edition of the Austrian Grand Prix will have a different flavour following his promotion to Red Bull’s main team earlier this season. However, Verstappen does not expect the Spielberg venue to play to the strengths of his car.
“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. I think this year there are a few Dutch fans who are coming over so I’m looking forward to it.
“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.”
From the cockpit: Felipe Nasr on his strong showing in Baku
Scene at the Grand Prix of Europe
Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings
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