Verstappen doesn't want to drive on an oval: 'The risk is too big'

F1 News

21 October 2021 at 08:55
Last update 21 October 2021 at 11:50
  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen doesn't see himself making the switch to IndyCar like Nico Hulkenberg or Romain Grosjean. The Dutchman enjoys watching the races, but does not want to participate in them himself.

The IndyCar championship is quite competitive and more and more European drivers are making the switch to the American racing class. Hulkenberg will test for the McLaren team on Monday, Rinus van Kalmthout will drive in America and Grosjean has been active all season. Two familiar names from F1, but Verstappen cannot see himself making that switch.

Verstappen not going to America

''I love to watch. It’s of course a little bit different to F1, but I think that’s also nice and makes it very interesting to watch. And from my side, I’m of course happy to be in Formula One, because I’m not personally a big fan of ovals. The street tracks and road courses are good, but nah, I would not be a big fan of oval racing myself'', says Verstappen at NBC Sports.

''It’s just the risk of a big crash is big, and of course I know in Formula One there also is risk of an impact, but when you hit a certain wall with 200-plus mph, it’s not enjoyable. And that risk is higher in IndyCar, and especially if you would hit someone else and you go into the fence, there are plenty of examples where it doesn’t end well or you end up being really hurt. So for me, I love to watch it. I have a lot of respect for the drivers who do it, but I’m happy where I am,'' the Red Bull driver concludes.