Max Verstappen showcased his unrivalled dominance in the Austrian Grand Prix, securing his fifth consecutive victory.
However, even with an almost flawless weekend, the Red Bull driver expressed a hunger for more, particularly in his quest for championship points.
As Verstappen held a comfortable lead over Charles Leclerc in the final laps of the race, the Dutchman called for a pit stop to snatch the fastest lap point away from his teammate Sergio Perez.
Perez had previously set a competitive time on hard tires, but Verstappen saw an opportunity to claim the extra point by fitting soft tires on the 71st and final lap.
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While already firmly positioned atop the championship standings, Verstappen’s strategic move reflected his unwavering determination and desire for perfection.
His actions further highlighted the immense gap he has established between himself and his rivals, currently sitting 81 points ahead in the championship race.
Reflecting on his exceptional weekend, Verstappen shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, stating, “I think today, and the whole weekend, it’s been incredible.
“The car was great, the team operated really well with everything, strategy, pit stops, and also in the race, I felt really well with the car.
“It was good on the tires and just very comfortable to drive, to be honest.”
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When questioned about his decision to chase the bonus point, Verstappen revealed his clear thought process while leading a race by a significant margin.
He stated, “No, but I had the gap. I want to have that extra point – why not?! If you have the opportunity, you should go for it.”
As the Formula 1 season progresses, Verstappen’s sights are now set on the upcoming British Grand Prix, where he aims to extend his lead in the championship.