Patrick Friesacher on Max Verstappen: “Of course you’re absolutely livid”

The hectic Formula 1 debut at the Madring circuit just outside Madrid was one of the main topics on Monday’s episode of ‘Sport und Talk aus dem Hanger-7’ on ServusTV. Hans-Joachim Stuck (75) and Patrick Friesacher (45) were invited as experts to Salzburg Airport.

Patrick Friesacher

Foto: Red Bull Content Pool

Commenting on Max Verstappen’s radio response to the turbulence at the start, Friesacher said: “The drivers are well equipped to handle all the little games these days – just look at how they discuss things; the FIA is, of course, listening in straight away. This is how I see the situation with Max and Hamilton – if Max hadn’t given way there, there would probably have been a crash. It was the right decision.”

Friesacher goes on to explain: “Giving the position back was also the right thing to do from Max’s point of view; otherwise, he’d probably have been penalised. But of course, nobody wants to give in; everyone tries to make the best of it.”

Verstappen then even had to give up two positions, as he’d already overtaken Antonelli too, which sent him into a rage. Friesacher: “It’s obvious that things like that get said over the radio; in the heat of the moment, that’s bound to happen. As a driver, you’re naturally absolutely livid.”

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On Verstappen’s new deal, Friesacher says: “At the end of the day, he’s a thoroughbred racer. But Formula 1 is different now than it used to be. You have to brake earlier now; cornering speeds aren’t as high as they used to be. He can’t really make the most of what he’s so good at right now. That’s why he’s driving GT3 cars on the Nordschleife or taking part in the ‘Max versus 100’ this Wednesday. There, he’s racing against 100 other kart drivers.”

On the drivers’ current role, Friesacher says: “At the moment, you’re a battery manager and, of course, you’ve got the AI in the background. You just have to work out how to make the best use of the resources available.”