Countdown to new season
Reigning vice-champion in Formel ADAC
The wait will be over in two weeks’ time: Maximilian Günther will start the new season with his foot flat down hard on the throttle. The 16-year-old will be contesting his second year in Formel ADAC. His debut in the junior series was extremely successful: In 2013, with two wins and eleven podiums Günther finished runner-up at his first attempt. This year, the Mücke Motorsport driver is aiming to secure the title in the international series.
The first of eight race weekends begins April 25th-27th in the etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. Günther has fond memories of last year’s season opener: He achieved a podium in only his second Formel ADAC race in Oschersleben, becoming the sixth-youngest driver in the history of the series to achieve that particular feat.
What expectations do you have as you start your second Formel ADAC season?
Maximilian Günther: I would definitely like to go on improving and am not lining up to finish second again. My goal is clear after securing the vice-championship in my rookie year in Formel ADAC: I aim to win the title. I’m certain that with the support of my team, Mücke Motorsport, we can be up among the front-runners once again – that went extremely well last year. But I also know that it won’t be easy, after all, I’m competing against some very talented, quick drivers.
As reigning vice-champion, you automatically count as one of the favourites to take the title. How do you deal with the pressure?
Maximilian Günther: I don’t put any pressure on myself and will not allow external factors to put me under pressure either. It’s important to focus on the essentials and to keep a clear head. Of course, the situation is a little different this time, but I will just focus on myself and on the task in hand. I am absolutely certain that we have a good chance of winning the title, but that will only happen if we give it 100 percent. Generally, I don’t let outside influences distract me.
How important is it for you to go on working with Mücke Motorsport?
Maximilian Günther: I’ve been with Mücke Motorsport for three years now and feel really at home there. The guys are like family to me and I could not imagine a better team. I’m really looking forward to tackling the new season with Mücke Motorsport. Everyone goes about their work with enormous passion and I’m sure that we can be strong enough to repeat the terrific successes from the previous year. Together we can do it!
Last season, you were by far and away the most successful driver in qualifying with eight pole positions. What is the secret of your speed?
Maximilian Günther: There’s no big secret and no magic potion behind it. I work very hard with the team and speak at length with my race engineer each race weekend. Then I try to implement his strategies as far as possible out on the track. Qualifying last season was really great. The qualifying will again be a deciding factor this year, because a good grid position is worth its weight in gold in the Formel ADAC.
You will again be sponsored by the ADAC Sports Foundation this year. In addition, and for the first time, you will be a member of the Deutsche Post Speed Academy that has produced so many motor racing stars. What does this support mean to you and your career path in motor sport?
Maximilian Günther: Having strong partners is what counts in motor racing and I could not have better support. I’m proud that the Deutsche Post Speed Academy sees potential in me and have accepted me on their support programme. Former graduates of the academy include Nico Hülkenberg and Timo Glock and show where things can lead. It gives me a little extra boost for the coming season. Also, I’m very happy to be part of the squad that enjoys the support of the ADAC Sports Foundation for yet another year. The financial aspect plays a role, for sure, but the complete package is the decisive factor. I learned a lot in the various workshops and that has clearly influenced my developmental process.
Foto: Maximilian Günther