Max Verstappen showcased his skill and determination at the British Grand Prix, securing a convincing victory despite facing stiff competition from Lando Norris throughout the race.
The Red Bull Racing driver acknowledged that he couldn’t afford to become complacent, with Norris consistently pressuring him from behind.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen admitted, “We had a terrible start, so we need to look into why that happened.
“Even after that, especially Lando, well both McLarens, were super quick.
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“It took a few laps to pass him, but then I could ease out a gap.”
Verstappen’s early struggles meant he had to contend with Norris, his good friend off the track, in the opening laps.
Acknowledging Norris’ impressive performance, Verstappen stated, “The [poor start] made it a bit more exciting, having to push for it.
“Lando was very nice to me, but he came back at me with the DRS. He did very well today.”
Despite the challenges posed by Norris and McLaren, Verstappen managed to overcome them and establish a lead.
The race became more challenging for Verstappen following a Safety Car period, as he found it tricky to maintain tire performance on the softest compound at the circuit.
Nevertheless, the championship leader expressed his satisfaction with the team’s victory and acknowledged the significance of their 11th consecutive win.
Verstappen emphasised, “Very happy we won again, and 11 wins in a row for the team is pretty incredible. But it wasn’t straightforward today.”
Verstappen’s ability to rise to the occasion and fend off strong competition further solidified his position as a formidable contender in the championship.
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Despite facing difficulties, he showcased his resilience and determination to secure another important victory in his quest for the title.
The battle between Verstappen and Norris added an extra layer of excitement to the race, highlighting the skill and sportsmanship displayed by both drivers.
Their friendship off the track did not hinder their competitive spirits, as they engaged in thrilling on-track duels while maintaining respect for one another.