Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has revealed how himself and Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko were ‘laughing” after the Spanish Grand Prix, following the Dutchman’s late attempt at setting the fastest lap.
Verstappen was warned against attempting the fastest lap by race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, due to the 25-year-old having been awarded three warnings for exceeding track limits at Turn 10.
As a result, Verstappen was shown the black and white flag, meaning he’d be penalised if he exceeded track limits one more time.
Comically, Verstappen asked what the fastest lap was moments after being informed about his black and white flag, something Lambiase was keen for him not to attempt.
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In true Verstappen fashion, he set the fastest lap moments later, to complete a mesmeric Grand Slam.
Verstappen incredibly topped every single session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, whilst he also set the fastest lap in the race and led every lap.
He crossed the line 24 seconds ahead of second-placed Lewis Hamilton, highlighting just how superior he was.
As a result, he now leads the Drivers’ Championship by 53 points ahead of next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, where he’ll be pursuing a 41st career victory.
Verstappen is seemingly unstoppable this season, with him now being without a doubt the clear favourite for a third consecutive title.
Not even a black and white flag can seemingly slow him down, due to the immense pace of the RB19.
He joked after the race that he “didn’t do anything wrong” whilst setting the fastest lap, something he’s joked about with Marko.
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“Well, I kept it within the white lines, I just went a bit faster on the lap. So I didn’t do anything wrong,” Verstappen said.
“They don’t know how much pace I have in the car, right, when they tell me this is the fastest lap, don’t bother, but I knew that I could do it.
“So yeah, I just had to keep it within the white lines but this is something I think we can laugh about already. I was laughing about it with Helmut after the race so I’m pretty sure that they’re quite happy.”