Max Verstappen admits he had to “survive” late on as tyre wear and lack of pace cost him a shot at the win.
Max Verstappen started from the front row in the F1 Sprint but couldn’t get past Lewis Hamilton off the line. After a brief challenge, the Red Bull driver found himself under pressure from Oscar Piastri, who eventually overtook him. Verstappen crossed the line in third.
“I tried to hold on, especially with Oscar right behind me using DRS. But in the last eight laps, I just didn’t have the pace – it was more about surviving than racing. So honestly, I’m happy to finish P3,” Verstappen said after the race.
Tyre management proved to be a key issue, something Verstappen hopes to improve heading into qualifying and the Grand Prix.
“We’ll dig into the data and try to unlock more performance from the car,” he added. “Right now, we’re simply lacking speed. I have to push harder to stay competitive, and that’s just burning through the tyres.”
The four-time world champion will be looking to bounce back with a stronger showing in qualifying — and hopes a better starting position combined with improved race pace will give him the edge on Sunday.
- Discover More>Piastri Aims Higher After Sprint Podium in China: “We Need to Find More”
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Verstappen Struggles for Pace, Clings to P3 in F1 Sprint
Verstappen Struggles for Pace, Clings to P3 in F1 Sprint
