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Verstappen hopes to end title-winning season on a high: 'That's the goal'
- Sandy van Wijngaarden
Max Verstappen will start the final Grand Prix of the season from spot four, with the Dutchman hoping for a good race and a podium finish.
Verstappen had a dramatic Friday in which his RB20 did not work properly at all. On Saturday, the team still managed to find some speed. The Dutchman eventually qualified in P5 but moved up one place due to a grid penalty from Nico Hulkenberg.
Verstappen hopes for a podium finish in Abu Dhabi
Starting from P4, Verstappen is hoping for a podium finish. "Let's see. So far this weekend has been a little bit tricky for us. But I'm just hoping to have a good race. Hopefully, we can fight for a podium. That will be great. See how it goes," the Dutchman said at the drivers' parade.
Finishing the season strong would be nice for the Red Bull Racing driver, but the main goal is already in. "Of course, it would be nice, but at the other end, we already won the championship. So that is the main goal done. You just need to learn a lot about the car, try to move, of course, then get the improvements in for next year. But, of course, it will be nice, but I just try to have a good race."
Verstappen does not know if he will be able to take advantage of the battle between McLaren and Ferrari for the constructors' championship. "I don't know. I mean, I'm starting behind them, so I'll just have a good look in turn one, and five and six. You never know what happens, right? So, we just want to stay out of trouble."
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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