Verstappen: “Lewis had more to lose”

Max Verstappen won his second victory in F1 the day after his 20th birthday by winning the Malaysian GP at Sepang. The pilot Red Bull started from second place following the abandonment of Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) managed to gain the advantage over the pole sitter Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) by attempting a daring overtake on the slower Briton at the start of the stint with the super soft tires.

“I had taken the last turn well and I chose to go on the inside, explains the Red Bull driver. JI knew that Lewis had more to lose than me and that he was in the fight for the title. I took an extra risk knowing this, it was my only chance. Once this overtake was completed, I was able to concentrate on my pace and on holding my tires. It was pleasant because it was the first time I experienced that in my career. It's a result that's all the more satisfying because I've had a complicated season so far. »

Max Verstappen gives Red Bull its second victory of the season after the success of Daniel Ricciardo at the Azerbaijan GP contested last June in Baku. The Dutchman also ended Lewis Hamilton's series of three undefeated victories since the resumption of F1 at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium).

Discover the analysis of the Malaysian GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2134 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.