2022 Season Opener

We’re days away from the start of a new era of Formula One, as we prepare for the 2022 season opener in Bahrain. So, we asked Red Bull Junior Driver Juri Vips to sit down with reigning World Champion Max Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez to ask them all the hard hitting questions ahead of the new season.

1. **Pre-Season Testing:**
- Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez share their experiences during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
- They discuss the new RB18 car and compare it to last year's model, highlighting the significant differences in driving and setup.
- Both drivers express excitement about the new era of Formula One and the potential for improved racing.

2. **New Car Regulations:**
- The drivers discuss the impact of the new car regulations, which aim to promote closer racing and reduce the gap between teams.
- Verstappen expresses hope that the changes will lead to more overtaking opportunities and exciting races.
- Perez agrees, stating that the new regulations make it more challenging for drivers to follow closely, but also create more strategic options.

3. **Favorite Race Tracks:**
- Verstappen and Perez share their thoughts on which race tracks they are most looking forward to driving the RB18 at.
- Verstappen mentions street circuits like Monaco and Singapore as being particularly challenging and exciting due to the bumpy surfaces.
- Perez agrees, adding that the new cars will likely be more difficult to handle on these types of tracks.

4. **Memories of Zandvoort:**
- Verstappen reflects on his victory at the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, emphasizing the special atmosphere and support from the home crowd.
- He describes the unique characteristics of the Zandvoort circuit, including the challenging banking section.

5. **First Meeting with Juri Vips:**
- Verstappen and Perez recall their first encounters with Juri Vips, sharing anecdotes and highlighting his early talent and potential.
- Vips mentions how he was impressed by Verstappen's advice and encouragement during their first meeting.

6. **Ideal Day Out:**
- Verstappen and Perez discuss their preferences for a day out, with Verstappen suggesting a drive in the mountains in a Porsche GT2 or GT3.
- Perez expresses his desire to take Vips to Mexico to experience the country's culture, food, and beautiful beaches.

7. **Favorite Mexican Snack:**
- Verstappen declares his love for Mexican food, particularly tacos and burritos, praising their spicy flavors.
- He suggests that Checo Perez should help them with the supply of authentic Mexican snacks.

8. **Preferred Winter Sport:**
- Verstappen and Perez discuss their favorite winter sports, with Verstappen expressing interest in trying speed skating in Holland.
- Perez mentions skiing and snowboarding as his preferred winter activities.

9. **Funniest Social Media Content:**
- Verstappen and Perez share their favorite types of social media content, including funny cat and dog videos, as well as clips of people doing silly things.
- They acknowledge the importance of finding humor and entertainment in everyday moments.

10. **Red Bull Athlete Performance Center:**
- Verstappen and Perez discuss their experiences at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center in Austria, where they undergo various training exercises.
- They mention the challenging nature of the training, particularly the neck strength exercises and VO2 max tests.
- Verstappen shares a funny anecdote about his cat interrupting his simulator session by playing with the cables and causing his wheel to disconnect.

11. **More Doors or Wheels in the World:**
- Verstappen and Perez engage in a lighthearted debate about whether there are more doors or wheels in the world.
- Verstappen initially feels it's wheels, while Perez is unsure.
- They acknowledge the need for a set of technical regulations to define what counts as a door or a wheel in this context.

12. **Timo Glock's Influence on Career Choices:**
- Verstappen reveals that it was Timo Glock who encouraged him to switch from Formula Renault to Formula 3, a decision that proved crucial in his career.
- He expresses gratitude for Glock's advice and acknowledges its impact on his racing journey.

13. **Sergio Perez's Preparation for the New Season:**
- Perez discusses how he is preparing for the new season, emphasizing the importance of knowing the team, the car, and the new regulations.
- He highlights the differences in driving and setup compared to last year and the need for engineers to adapt to the new car's characteristics.

14. **Impact of Car Size and Weight on Training:**
- Perez explains that the increased size and weight of the new cars have not significantly impacted his training routine.
- He believes in sticking to what works for him and avoiding unnecessary changes that could lead to injuries.

15. **Favorite and Least Favorite Gym Equipment:**
- Perez expresses his dislike for gyms in general and identifies neck planks as his least favorite exercise due to its intense and painful nature.
- He mentions that the neck training required for Formula One is particularly challenging and can lead to discomfort during the first tests.

16. **Ideal Location for a Day Out with Juri Vips:**
- Perez suggests taking Vips to the old town in Estonia, where he grew up, to experience its historic charm and modern amenities.
- He believes it would be a great place for them to explore and enjoy a memorable day together.

17. **Preferred Time Travel Race:**
- Perez contemplates which race and year he would choose to drive in if he could time travel.
- He expresses admiration for the mid-1980s era of Formula One but acknowledges the safety concerns and risks associated with driving those cars.
- He ultimately feels privileged to be racing in the current era, given the high level of competition and safety standards.

18. **Reality TV Show Participation:**
- Both Verstappen and Perez express disinterest in participating in reality TV shows, citing their lack of interest in the genre and their focus on their racing careers.

19. **Final Thoughts on Juri Vips' Hosting Skills:**
- Verstappen and Perez commend Vips for his hosting skills, praising his ability to conduct the interviews and engage in interesting conversations.
- They encourage him to continue hosting and suggest that he may have a future in television if his motorsport career doesn't work out.