Max Verstappen Declares He ‘Maximized’ Everything After Defeat to George Russell at Canadian GP

Max Verstappen asserted that he gave it his all in his battle against George Russell at the Canadian GP as he accepts his defeat.

Max Verstappen Declares He ‘Maximized’ Everything After Defeat to George Russell at Canadian GP

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), George Russell (via Getty)

Max Verstappen was the driver to watch closely at the Canadian GP from the get-go as he started right behind pole-sitter George Russell. The two drivers haven’t been the best of friends when it comes to fighting on the track. Moreover, Verstappen’s race ban risk due to penalty points potentially exceeding 12 remained yet another factor to watch out for. Now, as the Dutchman cedes defeat against the 27-year-old, he accepts giving it his all and still failing to clinch the race win.

Many people expected Max Verstappen to race safely and not push too hard due to the risk of a one-race ban. However, Verstappen had clearly stated that he wouldn’t change his racing style just because of a potential race ban. George Russell also had some cheeky comments about competing against the Dutchman at the Canadian GP, as both of them shared the front row.

George Russell clearly remained superior in his pace and didn’t lose the lead of the race to Max Verstappen at all. Despite Red Bull’s performance issues seemingly at ease now, Verstappen was still unable to trump the race leader. Now, the reigning world champion comes clean on his shortcomings in performance in Montreal that caused him to cede a loss.

Verstappen reckoned that he still walked away with good points scored in Canada as he finished in P2. The Dutchman acknowledged that he, with Red Bull, maximized everything possible to take over the lead of the race. Moreover, the 27-year-old pointed out that the team stuck with a very aggressive strategy, which thankfully worked in their favor and helped him hold onto his runner-up finish.

Good points, I think we maximized everything there. With the strategy, we were quite aggressive, but it worked well, so good job there.

Max Verstappen said in a post-race interview

Max Verstappen awaits ‘long season ahead’ as drivers’ title battle tightens

The Drivers’ Championship has tightened up even more as Lando Norris suffered from a late-race crash at the Canadian GP. While Oscar Piastri seems to have ridden off in the distance with the lead, he is still just 22 points adrift of Norris. Now, as the battle seems even more enticing, Max Verstappen looks forward to the impending season ahead.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)

The Canadian GP marks the tenth race of the 2025 season, as the drivers’ title standings have remained quite interesting. Speaking about the championship battle by the end of the season, Max Verstappen noted that there was still a long way to go. The Dutchman wishes to go race by race and bridge the gap in points to the rivals. Regardless, Verstappen asserted that he tries to do his best every race weekend and maximize points.

Its a long season. You have to go race by race. You always try to do your best.

Max Verstappen noted

Red Bull seems to have gotten a better grip on their performance issues as the challenger looks more competitive now. Max Verstappen will rush into preparations for his home race as he nearly dodges a one-race ban in Austria. Now, the 27-year-old will have to work hard to put up a spectacle of a performance in front of the home crowd.

Read More: George Russell Asserts Max Verstappen Won’t Change Driving Style over Race Ban Threat at Canadian GP