F1 News
Steiner: 'Other teams will analyse Verstappen to get to his level'
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes that Max Verstappen proved a point with Brazilian Grand Prix performance. The Dutchman started P17 on the grid but finished first in what was a long, bizarre race with red flags and safety cars. There were quite a few special moments, including Alpine's double podium, which lifted them to sixth in the constructor's standings. Steiner, however, believes that Verstappen's victory should be praised.
In Brazil, Verstappen dealt a near-knockout blow to Lando Norris' championship aspirations. Norris started from pole but finished in sixth after Verstappen charged through the field and won the race by 20 seconds. Whether you love or hate the three-time world champion, his Brazilian Grand Prix performance must be respected. The gap in the title race is now 62 points, and Verstappen could mathematically win his fourth world title as early as the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas.
'Verstappen proved that he's going to win the championship'
The Dutchman set fastest lap upon fastest lap after taking the lead, proving a point at a sodden Interlagos. "When Max took control of the race when he overtook Ocon and just went, there was nothing anymore for anybody, showing who he is. I'm going to win the championship," Steiner began. "In that moment, he knew he was going to win the world championship, you know? So he wanted to make a point," Steiner said.
Teams may analyse Verstappen to see just how he pulled it off:
Steiner was then asked by the hosts of The Red Flags Podcast if a dominant performance like Verstappen's damages the morale of other teams. "Absolutely. I mean, they analyse everything, you know? Everything will be analysed. How did he do it? Because that is the way you learn it, you know, how to get there yourself." The former Haas boss concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
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