André Lotterer and Max Verstappen, F1 Media Magnets in Belgium
Two drivers are essential in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock. Two newcomers: André Lotterer, confirmed at Caterham only for the Belgian Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen, who has already signed a contract with Toro Rosso for 2015. For very different reasons, they attract cameras and other photography equipment like flies. The managers of their respective teams must be rubbing their hands with glee. Commercially speaking, it's already a great success.
Max Verstappen: Darling Despite Himself
Everyone is after him. Max Verstappen, 16 years old, had his first official press conference at the Red Bull Energy Station this Friday afternoon. Not even a Grand Prix driver yet, and he’s already a media darling of F1. Cameras, photographers, and journalists are more numerous than at the press conferences of Daniil Kvyat and Jean-Eric Vergne, the official 2014 drivers, combined! Becoming the youngest driver in history arouses curiosity.
A few meters away, his father Jos, a driver with 107 Grand Prix to his name, observes his son’s interview with a keen eye. “I am impressed that there are so many media,” he says proudly. But not too many, according to him. “No, I think he can handle all that.” It’s worth mentioning that the calmness of young Verstappen is impressive. It’s hard to believe he’s just a teenager. He is a perfect demonstration of how young drivers are trained in media language, an aspect to be considered by the teams, just as much as their driving skills.
For Verstappen Sr., this last criterion remains essential. “I know that after this weekend, he will focus on what really matters: driving,” reassures his dad. Thanks to his experience, Jos could be a crucial element in his son’s career. “I have confidence, he has his feet on the ground. And if he doesn’t, I’ll put them back for him!” he smiles.
André Lotterer: The Credibility of Experience
André Lotterer may be twice the age of Max Verstappen, 32 years old, but he is nonetheless a novice. Several seasons spent testing Jaguars more than ten years ago did not provide him with the experience necessary to claim the status of a Grand Prix driver. The day has now come for the German, who is racing almost at home. He grew up in Nivelles and speaks French fluently. Crowned with three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Audi, the last one this year, and a true star in Japan where he has accumulated successes over the past ten years, he does not go unnoticed in the paddock.
The Caterham motorhome is packed with journalists a few minutes before the start of their press briefing this Friday afternoon. “Yesterday it was even worse, we couldn’t even get in,” sighs a French-speaking journalist. Not sure there have ever been so many media interested in the small team since its entry into F1 in 2010! André Lotterer readily plays along, first in English, the official language of Formula 1, then in German. Given the day he has just had, where he matched Marcus Ericsson in the two free practice sessions, the Caterham executives must not regret their choice.
« I’m going step by step. I’m getting to know the tires, the power… Everything is very different, » says the new Caterham driver. His experience in motorsport gives weight to his statements. « It’s very different from WEC – the World Endurance Championship, where he races for Audi -, the cars are very complex, and the work with the engineer is much more intense. By discussing with him on the radio, you can change the settings automatically each lap. » His impressions are not always positive. « The power is impressive. However, the grip is not as good as in WEC. I can’t push as much with the Caterham as with the Audi ». The hardest part is now ahead for Lotterer: to confirm in qualifying and the race, on Saturday and Sunday.
He may be a media magnet, but the verdict on the track will be final. Just like for Verstappen in 2015.
From our special correspondent at Spa-Francorchamps
