Verstappen: I want to have a special birthday

Ahead of the Sochi race weekend, Verstappen is quoted by his website, "This year’s Russian Grand Prix will be a special one for me. It is my 21st birthday on Sunday, so hopefully I can make it one to remember. I think I celebrated my 18th there also, so it won’t be new to have my birthday in Sochi."

Recently Verstappen has publically bemoaned the lack of horsepower, for Renault ears of course, and said earlier this month, "It's quite painful how much we lose on the straight but it is what it is. We're pretty far off the front. The Ferraris and Mercedes will be too quick for us."

Fifth is the best result the Dutchman has scored in four visits to the former Olympic venue, “I feel Russia is an up-and-coming Grand Prix as it still feels quite new to me. As well as being in the Olympic Park the track has a unique layout. The views from parts of the track and the hotels are really nice."

"On one side you have the mountains and on the other, the sea. It’s not the best track for our car so it’s vital to get the set-up right for specific corners, we know we will lose time on the long straights so cornering is key,"