Verstappen talks about "key to success" in Sochi

Max Verstappen knows that the Sochi Autodrom is not the best circuit for his Red Bull to perform at its peak, but the Dutchman still hopes for a strong outing next Sunday, on the day he turns 21.

The 20-year-old, who is in his fourth Formula One season already, will have an engine-replacement in Russia, which will mean that he'll start from the back of the grid (unless somebody else gets a penalty). That means he won't win, but as it is his 21st birthday on Sunday, he hopes it will be a race to remember for him.

"I celebrate my 21st birthday on Sunday, which I hope will make it an unforgettable experience," Verstappen is quoted by Speedweek.

"For me, the Russia GP still feels pretty new."

The Dutchman will come to Russia on the back of a great performance in Singapore, where he got second place behind Lewis Hamilton, as well as the Driver of the Day award. While he wanted to keep that momentum going, he understands that Sochi isn't the best track for Red Bull anyway, so he might as well take his engine penalty there.

"It's not the best pavement for our car.

"This makes it all the more important to tune the vehicle as optimally as possible to certain bends.

"Because we know that we will lose a lot of time on the long straights.

"The key to success lies in the winding passages. "