Verstappen: Starting with the ultra soft, “an advantage” over the others

The Dutchman is satisfied with his performance despite having ceded his position as best driver in Canada, and will rely on an offbeat tire strategy to play the leading roles in the race.

Published on 09/06/2018 à 22:09

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Verstappen: Starting with the ultra soft, “an advantage” over the others

Max Verstappen's great series of best laps (Red Bull) stopped in the face of the supersonic speed of the Ferrari and Mercedes during qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. On Saturday, the Dutchman had to settle for third time, 173 thousandths behind the poleman Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari).

This fall from first place acquired in free practice, however, does not worry him. “I’m very happy with this weekend so far. Being so close to Ferrari and Mercedes is positive. The car continued to improve session after session. »

Max Verstappen expected to have to give ground in Q3. “We are not surprised by the step forward made by Ferrari and Mercedes between FP3 and qualifying. We knew they had some under their belt.”, explains the 20-year-old pilot.

“We can race them from here. » @Max33Verstappen #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4vq2coyvoo

- Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 9th June 2018

“With these long straights, it was difficult to aim for pole because our top speed was lower than the others”, justifies the son of Jos Verstappen, who still stuck nearly two tenths to his teammate Daniel Ricciardo (6e).

It is on the tactical level that Red Bull could join the fight for victory. “ I will leave on super soft tires (pink flanks, more efficient) while the opponents will be in ultra soft (purple sides, less adhesion). Going with these rubbers will be an advantage over them. »