Verstappen concerned by Montreal 'Wall of Champions'

Verstappen concerned by Montreal 'Wall of Champions'

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Saturday 2 June 2018 10:40

Max Verstappen is determined to avoid the 'Wall of Champions' at the Canadian Grand Prix after his race in Monaco was ruined by a brush with the barriers. Verstappen finished ninth in Monte Carlo after starting last on the grid thanks to a crash at the swimming pool complex in practice.

Verstappen could not take part in qualifying after damaging his front end and gearbox in FP3, continuing an error-riddled start to 2018.

The exit of the last corner at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is another area of peril, with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg all coming a cropper there in the past, among other champions.

The Dutchman has much ground to make up in the fight for honours, he has only half of the points of his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who is third in the standings behind Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

"Across all of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve I think the last chicane is really important to get right," Verstappen said, previewing next weekend's race. "You arrive at such high speed so when you hit the braking point the brakes can be a bit cold which means you have to be careful and get it right every time.

"This will also set you up for the exit where you come very close to the wall, it is important not to brush it as you can damage the rim.

"A millimetre or centimetre doesn't make too much difference, just don't touch the wall.

"Turn one and two have a pretty cool atmosphere as the grandstands are usually full at that part of the track and it creates a small stadium feel, this makes the start a bit more special.

"The 2017 race ended with disappointment for me, as I had to stop after only 10 laps with a technical issue.

"Our car as it is now should perform well in Montreal so I am hopeful of achieving a solid result and making up for last year.

"Besides that, I'm always excited to get back over to the American continent as I really enjoy being there, the people, food and atmosphere are always amazing."