Max Verstappen ‘pleased’ with P3 despite tricky Sprint race at Brazilian GP
Max Verstappen was content with a P3 result in the Sprint race despite finishing behind the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
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Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen had a torrid weekend in Mexico last week. To move past this, the Dutchman required a strong result as his pace with the RB20 had been flicking on and off over the past few races. Subsequently, during the Sprint race at the Brazilian GP weekend, Verstappen managed to clinch the last spot on the podium, despite starting outside the top three. This made him quite pleased with how his Sprint went.
Red Bull has been struggling in recent races. It has had an ill effect on Max Verstappen‘s performance, who has been working tirelessly to save his championship lead. Moreover, with McLaren claiming a front-row lockout in the Sprint qualifying with a huge margin, this seemingly left only P3 up for grabs for other drivers. But the Dutchman had qualified fourth behind the resurging Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
Despite the stern SF-24 ahead of him, Verstappen mounted a challenge on the Monegasque to get on top of the podium. Subsequently, this mission was achieved mid-way through the Sprint as Leclerc started fading in comparison to the reigning champion’s pace.
It was quite a tricky race, but I think the pace is quite good so I’m pleased with that. It took quite a while with Charles, but it’s promising, it’s good. But tomorrow might rain so lots of unknowns, but today was good.
Max Verstappen said in the post-Sprint interview
Max Verstappen: "It was quite a tricky race, but I think the pace is quite good so I'm pleased with that. It took quite a while with Charles, but it's promising, it's good. But tomorrow might rain so lots of unknowns, but today was good."
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 2, 2024
With the 27-year-old achieving the most he could from the Sprint, he was pleased with his performance. This further aided Verstappen in reducing the points he lost to Lando Norris as the Brit had won the Sprint race with the help of some team orders.
Red Bull found ‘encouraging’ results with Max Verstappen’s pace in Sprint race
With Verstappen and Sergio Perez making moves throughout the 24-lap Sprint, Red Bull was seemingly in a better position than yesterday’s Sprint qualifying. This had a rush of motivation within the Austrian squad, who were happy with the result of the Sprint race.
Subsequently, Red Bull supremo Christian Horner elaborated that the Milton Keynes-based squad has expanded their understanding of the RB20 over the weekend.
I think what was most encouraging was the race pace and to stick on the rear of Charles. I think there are things that we’ve understood.
Christian Horner said in an interview
Horner: I think what was most encouraging was the race pace and to stick on the rear of Charles. I think there are things that we've understood
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 2, 2024
However, the afternoon in Brazil could be ruined for the Austrian giant as the Dutchman is currently under investigation for a VSC infringement. So the threat of Verstappen losing further ground in the championship to Norris is not yet over.
On the other hand, the prancing horses were still able to extend their advantage in the constructor’s championship by a further two points. Thus, the Austrian team’s weekend lies on a thin needle, from being fairly good to being a total abomination.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)