Nerves Kick in For Max Chilton

Max Chilton has spoke about his nerves ahead of his F1 debut in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The Brit, who will race for Banbury based Marussia in motorsport’s pinnacle, was speaking to Sky Sports News about his mixed emotions. There will be plenty of watching eyes, after the hype built up around the 21-year-old.

He has successfully graduated from the GP2 series, after finishing fourth in last years championship. After three years racing in the feeder series, he said the step up is considerable.

Chilton said “The main difference between GP2 and F1 is how much stuff you have to do on the wheel – things like changing the dif, the KERS, the DRS – there is so much going on and you are also doing much quicker speeds.”

“So concentration levels are the biggest difference and we worked on that over the winter and I have had plenty of time in the car so I am now ready to go.”

He has almost had the MR02 all to himself, the team were late to decide on a replacement for Luiz Razia after he struggled with sponsorship. Jules Bianchi will take the Brazilian’s place.

Max also revealed his nerves ahead of the 2013 season opener. He said “usually in a category you have raced in it is fine, but this is my first F1 race and I think it would be weird if I didn’t have nerves. You need nerves sometimes to egg yourself on so I will be there and enjoy every moment of it and give it my best.”

Marussia have failed to score a point since their debut in 2010. They look likely to remain at the back of the pack this season, so Chilton’s main aim is to finish.

“You have got to finish – if you are not in it you can’t win it – so you just have to stay on the track and do the best you can for the team,”