With his hard-charging, no nonsense racing style, Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen has already won plenty of fans in his first season of Formula One competition. But what does it take to keep the 17-year-old Dutchman mentally and physically ‘on track’? We quizzed the star rookie about his personal prerequisites for a happy and successful F1 life…
What are the essential elements of your pre-race routine?
Max Verstappen: Not much… I put on my suit, I speak to my engineer and I am ready for the race. I don’t have anything special - no ritual, no voodoo, no meditation.
What are the essential ingredients of a good night out?
VM: Friends and a nice club - then everything is sorted.
What essential items must you have in your driver’s room/motorhome at a race?
MV: Racing underwear, racing shoes, race suit, gloves, helmet and HANS system - then I am sorted. (laughs) No lucky charm or anything of that sort.
Max Verstappen (NDL) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10 at Formula One World Championship, Rd7, Canadian Grand Prix, Practice, Montreal, Canada, Friday 5 June 2015.
No ritual, no voodoo, no meditation...
Max Verstappen on his pre-race routine
What essential items must you always have in your fridge at home?
MV: A little bit of chocolate.
What are your essential qualities for a girlfriend/wife/partner?
MV: That she’s nice to me. Then it’s fine.
What are essential qualities of a good F1 team mate?
MV: Respect and good vibes - and it helps if he’s a bit funny.
Your essential tip for avoiding stress at airports?
MV: I never have stress. That is something that is within you. If you are very relaxed nothing really can stress you out.
What are the essential qualities of an F1 driver?
MV: Talent - and being a hard worker. If you have these two, you very likely will have a good chance to make it to F1.
What is essential to help you wind down after a race?
MV: Speaking to my engineers to analyse the race - and then speaking to friends.
What are the essential elements of great racing circuit?
MV: Fast corners, good braking zones and good grip!
What app is it essential to have on your phone?
MV: WhatsApp.
What are the essential qualities of a team boss?
MV: Supportiveness and being able to give confidence. Franz (Tost) is perfect in both respects!
What are your essential requirements at a hotel?
MV: A nice shower and a good bed. No real fancy stuff.
(L to R): Max Verstappen (NDL) Scuderia Toro Rosso and Carlos Sainz jr (ESP) Scuderia Toro Rosso on the drivers parade at Formula One World Championship, Rd1, Australian Grand Prix, Race, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Sunday 15 March 2015.
Respect and good vibes - and it helps if he's a bit funny...
Max Verstappen on his ideal F1 team mate
What is the essential Grand Prix every fan should attend at least once in their lifetime?
MV: Spa. It’s my favourite. And, of course, Monaco - but people come to Monaco anyway.
What are your essentials for a good night’s sleep?
MV: Nothing. I fall asleep in ten seconds if I go to bed.
What are the essential items you must have with you while travelling?
MV: My iPad, to play some games.
What is the essential corner in F1 racing?
MV: Eau Rouge.
What are the essential parts of your training regime?
MV: Running and cycling, with a clear preference for cycling. It must be in the family: my whole family loves to cycle.
What is the personal quality most essential for F1 success?
MV: Keep your feet on the ground!
What is your essential tip for the aspiring F1 driver?
MV: Maybe I should keep quiet on that one - otherwise I will have competition! (laughs)
