Max Verstappen fought hard for second in Canada, using an aggressive F1 strategy amid tyre issues and fierce pressure from George Russell.
Max Verstappen had hoped to fight for victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, but he was up against a very solid George Russell ahead of him, whose tyres held up better than those on the Red Bull RB21—despite the warm track conditions, which were not expected to suit Mercedes F1.
“It was a good race, even though we struggled with tyre management during the first two stints. We had to go for an aggressive strategy, and we managed the tyres better in the final stint,” Verstappen said.
“The pace was better with low fuel; it was a race of attack and defense. Attack in terms of strategy and defense on track, but it was the best race possible for us today.”
Asked about his title chances—after the McLaren F1 drivers made contact and Lando Norris retired—the Dutchman isn’t focused on that: “It’s a long season, we have to take it race by race and see what we can do. Hopefully, we’ll have a good weekend in Austria.”
