Ever wondered how top F1 drivers influence the next generation? Here’s a look at how Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are shaping young talents.
- Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are lending their expertise to Red Bull’s junior drivers.
- Hamda Al Qubaisi, a Red Bull Academy driver, has been receiving invaluable insights from the F1 stars.
- Verstappen and Perez’s detailed feedback is significantly aiding Al Qubaisi’s development.
- Red Bull’s support system is proving instrumental in nurturing future racing stars.
Red Bull’s F1 Academy driver, Hamda Al Qubaisi, has revealed that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been providing her with tips to enhance her driving skills. The 21-year-old Emirati, who finished third in last year’s competition, is benefiting from the guidance of these seasoned professionals as she climbs the motorsport ladder.
Al Qubaisi has had the opportunity to gain insights from Verstappen and Perez, even though their interactions have been limited. ‘I spoke to them a few times, but not in much detail,’ she shared. A remarkable chance came when she was able to watch a race in Jeddah from the pit box. ‘I was able to listen to the engineers and the drivers. So I learned a lot from that,’ she noted. The feedback that Max and Checo give to the engineers is so detailed, and it’s crazy to see.
Al Qubaisi explained how absorbing such detailed feedback has influenced her approach. ‘I just feel like I learned quite a lot because then I took it with me and I need to be a bit more detailed in my feedback,’ she said. This newfound attention to detail is helping her with car setup and overall performance.
Being part of the Red Bull Academy, which has a reputation for producing exceptional talent, has given Al Qubaisi a boost in confidence. ‘Just being part of it makes me feel more motivated and I feel like I belong even more,’ she expressed. The mental strength and sense of belonging she derives from this environment are tangible.
Al Qubaisi also highlighted the unwavering support she receives from Red Bull, irrespective of her performance. ‘Bad races, good races, they’re always there to help,’ she shared. The comprehensive preparation for race weekends, including simulator work, is equipping her with the skills necessary for her future in racing.
The exposure and support from Red Bull have been unparalleled in her racing career. ‘It’s definitely a big step in my career and in general, I just think the exposure I’ve got as well as the support has been major,’ she expressed. Such backing undoubtedly sets a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s influence is playing a crucial role in shaping the future stars of Red Bull’s junior drivers.
Source: Planetf1