Verstappen points out engine weaknesses: “I almost stalled on the circuit”

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) started second on Sunday in Singapore, and finished in the same place almost two hours later. Except that in the meantime, the Dutchman had to fight (a little) against Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) to take back his property.

On a circuit where “to overtake is impossible”, in his words, Max Verstappen was overtaken by the German after a few turns. “I couldn't do much because we were both on the floor,” he explains. I should have been able to keep my place but I couldn't match his speed. » Feel the criticism coming at the engine Renault ?

1st podium at the #SingaporeGP (and his 6th this season) @Max33Verstappen was your #F1DriverOfTheDay #F1 pic.twitter.com/yjRdzIyplb

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2018

“I once again had driving pleasure problems with the engine behind the Safety Car and leaving my spot during the pit stop was an ordeal. I almost collapsed several times. I was happy that the Safety Car was going!

But in the end, we handled the situation well and brought back the desired result. Second place, This is fantastic if we take into account the behavior of the car at certain times of the weekend. » Thanks to the chassis and the driver's view.

Max Verstappen, however, had an opportunity to get the better of Lewis Hamilton when some retards got in their way. “I never believed that overtaking was possible,” he said. I didn't want to take the slightest risk. And then it was a bit unfair that he was slowed down by drivers who didn't want to get out of the way." Beautiful words for someone who is renowned for his risk-all character.

Find the report of the Singapore GP produced by our special correspondents in issue 2183 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.