Maximilian Günther heading for the top
Record win for Günther at the Lausitzring
Record broken, one win, two podiums, mega-comeback in the title fight – that´s a brief summary of Maximilian Günther´s weekend at the Lausitzring. The Deutsche Post Speed Academy protégé competed in the third Formel ADAC race weekend of the season at the Lausitzring from 23rd to 25th May. Impressive opening shot, as Maxi wins the first race from second on the grid; his third win of the season. Taken together with the two victories from 2013, the 16-year-old now holds the record for wins in the Formel ADAC at the Lausitzring. Second race, second podium. On Sunday, Maxi improved from third on the grid to take second place. His onward march continued even at the close of the weekend. In a chaotic third race, the youngster fought his way up from seventh place – and he was even in twelfth position for a time – to take fifth position.
Mega comeback in title fight – Maximilian, did you expect it?
Maxi sums that up in one word: “No.” Placed second in the championship, he took no less than 19 points out of the overall leader. Before the race weekend Maximilian´s deficit on the leader was 21 points – now it is only two. “That sounds a lot better to me,” said Maxi. “But I take each race as it comes. Great that it went so well at the home fixture of my team Mücke Motorsport. In this way, I´ve given something back to the guys for all their hard work.”
A weekend without a pole position – does that feel strange, Maxi?
It is now eight months since Maxi last failed to secure a pole position at a race weekend. But it was time again for the most successful driver at securing poles in the history of the Formel ADAC to come away empty-handed: First place on the grid went to a team-mate. By way of exception, it was technology that let Maxi down. “I posted two fast laps, when unfortunately, the spring on the accelerator pedal broke,” said the ADAC Sports Foundation protégé. “We got the car repaired, but the tyres need quite a long time to come up to temperature at the Lausitzring. There was then no more time to make any substantial improvement on the timesheet. Poles would certainly have been possible, but it´s no good talking about ifs and buts. Moreover, I´ve shown that I can even win from second on the grid.” Further evidence of Maxis speed at the Lausitzring: two fastest race laps.
Maxi´s lessons from the Lausitzring
1. “The team´s home fixture is nothing special for the driver? No way! It gives you an extra boost.”
2. “You do not always have to win – as long as your main competitor for the title remains behind you…”
3. “Another record broken – that does not always result in points, but is a great bonus.” What next?
Austria´s Red Bull Ring will host the Formel ADAC from 6th to 8th June. A bit of a home race for Maximilian. “My mother is Austrian, so I´m part Austrian,” said Maxi. “The Spielberg alpine vistas also remind me of my home in Southern Bavaria.” Maxi is looking forward to the roller coaster track to which Formula 1 is returning this year: “I like driving at the Red Bull Ring. I just love the double right-hander before the start/finish – challenging and very fast at the same time – and I am confident that we will back in contention for victories.” Reminder: In 2013, Maximilian achieved podiums in all three races in Austria.
Foto: ADAC Formel Masters