Verstappen has a tip for Russell: 'You shouldn't pay much attention to that'

Max Verstappen is missing his biggest competitor at the Sakhir Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is absent because he tested positive for the coronavirus. However, the Dutchman does not expect an easy weekend.

Verstappen expects Valtteri Bottas and George Russell to be fast in the Mercedes this weekend. "Lewis is not here, but Valtteri and George are and they are driving the fastest car in the field. It will certainly not be an easy weekend. This circuit is going to help the cars with more power and not us," Verstappen explains, quoted by Formule1.nl.

The Dutchman thinks back to his sudden change from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing and gives Russell a small tip: "When I went to Red Bull I really thought: 'oh what a difference.' It was a day and night difference in the positive sense of the word. People expect a lot, but you shouldn't pay too much attention to that. Above all, you have to enjoy the opportunity."

Verstappen is asked if he can finish second in the championship: "Maybe. But I need luck. It's a pity that I retired out four times, otherwise I would have been second," concludes the Dutchman. He hopes that during the Sakhir Grand Prix he can make the difference, especially in the corners and that the race doesn't look too much like the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he retired.