Max Verstappen / Image: APA / AFP / SEDAT SUNA
Istanbul. World Cup challenger Max Verstappen tried to downplay the importance of winning the title before the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday (2 p.m., live on ServusTV and Sky). “We're trying to get success together, but you can't force things,” said the Red Bull driver. Before the 16th of 22 rounds of the season, the 24-year-old is two points behind defending champion Lewis Hamilton.
“Even if we finished second, we'll have a great season. That doesn't change my life at the end of the day, ”said Verstappen. The Dutchman and his racing team are “very relaxed, but also very focused”. The last seven races, however, would be “tough”.
World champion Hamilton, on the other hand, often draws strength from sideline shows, such as on his forays into the fashion scene. “I love the environment where I can express myself,” said the Brit, who appeared in a man's skirt, at the official press conference in Istanbul. Formula 1, on the other hand, was “never an easy place” to “be yourself”. Appearances in the fashion scene like the last one in Paris would take a load off him. He could then return to the track “fresh, relaxed, positive”. Especially since the memories of the race on the Bosporus are very pleasant for the 36-year-old.
In the previous year, Hamilton secured the seventh world title ahead of schedule in Turkey. Back then, in November, the Intercity Istanbul Park made its comeback in the emergency calendar after a nine-year break due to Corona cancellations. Rain, low temperatures and a newly paved track made the course an “ice rink”, as Hamilton's future Mercedes team-mate George Russell put it.
Whoever takes pole position today has the best chance of winning. In the past eight editions, the eventual race winner has started from first place five times in Turkey.
