Max Verstappen wary of wind at Chinese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen believes that the wind could be a big factor in the Chinese Grand Prix.

Verstappen will start from pole after winning the sprint race.

However, Verstappen feels that a different wind direction could disturb the balance of his Red Bull.

Max Verstappen wins sprint race for Chinese Grand Prix

Verstappen said that the start of the sprint race was a challenge but the quality of his Red Bull came to the fore throughout the race for pole.

“The start of the Sprint was a bit tricky for me because the other drivers on the grid had new tyres, so for the first lap they had a bit more grip than I did,” Verstappen said in comments supplied to the South African.

Flat battery

Verstappen had a battery issue which might be of concern to Red Bull.

However he was able to sort that issue in race and came out on top.

“My battery was also completely empty, so I had to do a few changes on the wheel to try and get it back up, but once that was all sorted out the pace was good, I was able to look after my tyres well. 

“Ahead of qualifying we changed the fittings on the car and they worked out well, so I’m very pleased with that. It looks promising for the race, we were strong in the Sprint, but of course, there is a lot of information that the other teams can analyse now, so I don’t expect it to be completely straightforward. 

“For the race tomorrow I think that the wind direction could have quite a bit of influence on the balance of the car, but if we do a similar performance to today then I will be very happy.”

Max Verstappen brings up Red Bull’s 100th pole

Verstappen was proud to bring up the team’s 100th pole position.

Red Bull locked out the front row of the grid as Sergio Perez took second in the Sprint race.

“Overall, it was a very good Saturday, I couldn’t have really wished for more. We celebrated the Team’s 100th pole today with Checo at the front of the grid with me in P2,” Verstappen added. 

“Naturally starting from pole will help and although it isn’t always a guarantee, it does make life a bit easier. The support in Shanghai has been great, there are a lot of fans in the grandstand and it has been a while since we have raced here, so I’m very happy to be back and looking forward to tomorrow.”