Verstappen did not intend to try the impossible against Hamilton

His sixth podium of the season, Max Verstappen won it in a very good way, having resisted an attack from Lewis Hamilton, at the final chicane of the Suzuka route.

Author of a good start having seen him place himself in the wake of Nico Rosberg after the first corner, Verstappen took advantage of the poor start of the British driver, and the presence of Sergio Pérez (Force India) in third position to consolidate in start of the event in second place, before stopping slightly early against his direct rivals.

Faced with the return of Mercedes W07 Hybrid No. 44 in the last stint, the winner of the Spanish Grand Prix, despite more worn tires due to his offbeat strategy, did not tremble in the face of the attack carried out by Hamilton.

“Lewis pushed hard and we had a little moment in the chicane, but of course I'm very happy to stay in second position.” admitted Verstappen at a press conference before commenting on the maneuver on Sky Sports.

« I wasn't going to open the door and tell him to come through. I saw him move and as soon as I saw him I closed the door. I think he was far enough away that he could see what I was going to do. »

His boss, Christian Horner, also insisted on defending his pilot's maneuver on the British channel's microphone. “It was firm but fair, believes the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing. Max was still engaged on the inside line. I think he pulled in just before the braking zone. There was only one decisive and inward movement. »

Verstappen also admitted that he did not intend to attempt the impossible, knowing the situation of Rosberg and Hamilton, in the fight for the Drivers' championship. “I know he's fighting for the world championship, so there was no question of doing crazy things, of course.

In the end, it was good. I managed to keep my tires alive and finished second. It's of course a very good result for me and I think also one of my best races so far, but also for the team I think. »

Find the full report and analysis of the Japanese Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Suzuka, in issue 2084 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.