Max Verstappen: “A very good operation to have returned to 2nd place”

After receiving a five-place penalty for failing to respect the double yellow flag during qualifying this Saturday, the mission was simple for Max Verstappen : limit the damage in the face of Lewis Hamilton who started in pole position and whose victory was almost promised to him. It's done for the current championship leader, who finished 2nd in the race. Thanks to his excellent start and a good strategy with his team to keep his tires until the end, the Dutchman leaves Qatar with the point for the best lap and he remains 8 points ahead of the seven-time world champion.

“Our position at the start of the race compromised the situation a little, but I got off to a very good start, analyzes the man who won his 58th career podium. It's a very good thing to be back in 2nd place. Taking the point for the best lap and also a very nice operation for the end of the championship. I knew it would be difficult until the end but this makes it even more exciting.”

Like most drivers, Max Verstappen was discovering the Losail track for the first time, and the driver Red Bull did not hide his joy at riding on a “very pleasant track to drive and very fast. In terms of tire degradation, they performed very well.”

There are only two Grand Prix left to contest this season, in Saudi Arabia in 15 days and in Abu Dhabi in 3 weeks, to decide between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. “It will remain a close battle until the end! » warns the Dutchman. We're already looking forward to it!