Red Bull brought Max Verstappen in for an extra pit stop during the Austrian Grand Prix as they wanted to minimise the risk of an unexpected tyre failure.
Verstappen lost a likely win in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last month when he suffered a left-rear tyre failure while leading with five laps to go. Team principal Christian Horner admitted the team pitted him from a comfortable lead due to concerns over his tyres.“I think that one stops, after Azerbaijan, and when you’ve go a 25 second lead with a free pit stop, why take the risk?” he said.
Verstappen was told on his radio the team had found a cut on one of his tyres after his second pit stop.
“We could see there was a small cut,” said Horner. “It wasn’t significant, but it was enough to catch your attention.”
The Red Bull driver had enough of a lead over second-placed Valtteri Bottas that he was able to make his pit stop without coming under threat of losing his lead.
“Max did a great job, then bettered his own fastest lap and it just gave us a lower-risk run to the finish. So it was just a prudent thing to do, I think.”
Verstappen said he had no idea one of his tyres had a cut, but was glad the fresh rubber gave him the chance to set the fastest lap and score a bonus point.
“I was not sure they were going to box me for that fastest lap so I was actually quite happy when they called me in,” he said. “And of course they found out the cut but honestly while driving I didn’t feel anything. But better be safe and then I could go for fastest lap so it was perfect.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
2021 Austrian Grand Prix
- Vasseur on Alfa’s “huge step forward” and why he’s vexed by technical directives
- How Ricciardo “got some enjoyment back” after “really low” first race in Austria
- F1’s penalty points are not “harsh” and won’t be reviewed this year – Masi
- Austrian double showed Sainz found his feet faster than 2021’s other big-name moves
- 2021 Austrian Grand Prix Star Performers
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
4th July 2021, 17:55
It was a sensible idea, given his position and gap. Also gave him the rubber to set a new fastest lap if required.
Mayrton
5th July 2021, 13:18
And an opportunity to make a political statement. Horner never misses out on an opportunity.
Jere (@jerejj)
4th July 2021, 17:57
A wise move.
elchinero (@elchinero)
4th July 2021, 18:37
WAY smart … +25 (+1)
Dave
5th July 2021, 18:48
A good night’s sleep.
Balue (@balue)
4th July 2021, 19:33
But was it necessary to do such a fast stop? A bit risky, but maybe doing it different to what they’re used to can also be risky.
BasCB (@bascb)
4th July 2021, 21:20
I actually think that deliberately doing a slower stop when they are in the habit of these fast ones might mean introducing another risk there @balue, since it is a change from their usual beat.
Dave
4th July 2021, 19:50
A moment of relief.