Max Verstappen fires warning to F1 rivals ahead of Russian Grand Prix
MAX VERSTAPPEN has sent a warning to his rivals ahead of the Russian Grand Prix this weekend.
The 20-year-old has taken to Twitter to remind his Formula One rivals he is ready to take on the Sochi street circuit as all the teams prepare for the practice sessions on Friday.
"I’m prepared for whatever challenge Sochi has in store for me," Verstappen said.
The young Dutchman is going to find it difficult to replicate his fantastic drive at Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit, which saw the F1 star finish second behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, because of issues Red Bull are having with their engines.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has confirmed both Verstappen and teammate Daniel Ricciardo would switch to an older engine specification after the team encounter several problems in Singapore.
I’m prepared for whatever challenge Sochi has in store for me
Red Bull also want to change their engines to a previous version in preparation for the high altitude races of Mexico and Brazil - at high altitude races the turbo has to work harder because of the thinner air.
The Hermanos Rodríguez race track in Mexico City is 7,323 feet above sea level and the José Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo has an altitude of 2,510 feet.
Both drivers will be hit with grid penalties but it is unknown how far back the pair will be moved.
“We accepted the risks when we took this engine," Horner said.
Lewis Hamilton reflects on his Singapore Grand Prix win
"It has delivered a bit more power and it has been a bit rough around the edges.
"But with the increase in power from it that helped get on to the front row and helped to achieve a second position.
"Sochi will be one to forget for us.
"I think we are probably going to be starting at the back. But then we've got some good ones coming up."
Red Bull will be changing from their more-powerful Spec C version to their older Spec B for this weekend’s race in Sochi.
“Our C-spec cannot run at high altitude in Mexico and Brazil," Verstappen said.
“We also knew since we took the C-spec on that we had to take another B at one point.
"I think this is the best place to do it. Also to have a few more spare parts in case something breaks.”