Max Verstappen reveals childhood reason for incredible wet racing skills at Brazilian GP
Max Verstappen credited his karting experience in wet conditions for shaping his skills and preparing him for the many challenges in Formula 1.
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Max Verstappen speaking (via Total Motorsport)
Max Verstappen‘s performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix was a true testament to his resilience and determination. After facing a tough mid-2024 season filled with challenges, he came back strong, showcasing his incredible skill on the track.
Navigating the tricky conditions of Interlagos, the Dutchman dominated the whole grid with wet and slippery track. He has since explained why he was able to drive at ease on such slippery wet tracks.
Max Verstappen’s journey to F1 kicked off on the karting tracks, where he showcased incredible talent and an instinct for racing from a young age. His fearless approach, especially in challenging wet conditions, set him apart.
Racing in the rain helped him adapt quickly to unpredictable situations and maintain control on slippery surfaces. This early experience proved crucial during the 2024 Brazilian GP, where the Dutchman displayed remarkable skill in the wet weather.
Back in the day in go-karting, the guys that were good in the wet are good nowadays also in Formula 1. I was racing them in go-karting, so it definitely is a thing that you pick up when you’re younger practicing a lot. It rains a bit more where we come from than some other places, you go out there practicing, get more comfortable, and definitely tuning your skills to be better. You carry that into Formula 1, evolve and become even better and you use that to your advantage in races.
Max Verstappen said
???️ | Max believes go-karting in younger days set a good base for wet races
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) November 4, 2024
"Back in the day in go-karting, the guys that were good in the wet are good nowadays also in Formula 1.
I was racing them in go-karting, so it definitely is a thing that you pick up when you're younger… pic.twitter.com/OLcYRYbCoc
Growing up in a region with frequent rainfall, Verstappen spent countless hours refining his skills in wet conditions. This early exposure allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the car’s tire behavior and balance on slippery tracks. This experience was crucial as it turned out to be a game-changer in his title fight with Lando Norris.
Max Verstappen felt he was driving a jet ski in the rains after heavy rains at the Interlagos
Max Verstappen highlighted a tough moment when he got stuck behind VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda during the Brazilian GP. However, he stayed calm as he knew that it was a long race and made smart strategic choices.
The Dutchman explained that while the rain got heavier around lap 30, he chose to stay out risking his run. At that point, Verstappen felt that he was riding a jet ski on water rather than a car.
I was like, I’m just happy to keep the car on the track. At one point it was just red [flag conditions]. We needed a red flag.It was just undriveable; even on extreme tyres it would have not been possible. It almost felt like I was driving a boat or a jet ski.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by Autosport
Despite all the struggles, the reigning champion, in pursuit of his fourth consecutive title, bagged his eighth win of the season. The upcoming race in Las Vegas promises to be an exciting one, especially since Red Bull now knows that its new engine is performing well.
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Gaurang Kadam
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