Verstappen realistic after Canadian GP: "We couldn't do more" than P5 finish
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen had his lowest finishing position of the season in Canada as he finished in P5, but the Dutchman insisted that was the most obtainable for him as he started back in P9.
The 21-year-old started on the hard tyre after a far-from-ideal qualifying session, in which he was denied a second run because of a red flag. Verstappen qualified in P11 but eventually started ninth because of grid penalties for both Kevin Magnussen and Carlos Sainz.
Starting on the hard compound, he struggled to get past the McLaren of Lando Norris in the opening stages of the race.
"You see those McLaren's have pretty good top speed, they drive with less wing, so that's why he got me back [after initially overtaking Norris]," the five-time Grand Prix winner told Ziggo Sport.
"I didn't want to take risks by braking late and sustaining damage. I stayed behind and when he got trouble with his tyres, we could pass."
It was a tough outing for Verstappen, who eventually had to overtake both Renaults to secure his P5-finish after emerging from the pitlane in seventh.
"I couldn't overtake well here. I also struggled following other cars, so I just tried to keep my tyres in good shape. At one point, the guys in front of me went in, so I could drive at my own pace which wasn't quick compared to the guys ahead. After the pitstop, I could overtake the Renaults pretty quickly and drive it home."
Halfway through the race, Verstappen reported some issues with his brakes, causing concerns for Red Bull. He explained the situation.
"My brakes got a little hot. So, I had to lift more before braking and then they were good at the end. Unfortunately, we're fifth at the end, but we just couldn't do more."