Canadian Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen said he and Red Bull need the kind of challenges the race offered up to them “once in a while.”
The world champion secured his sixth victory of the 2024 season and the 60th of his career in a difficult race in changing conditions in Montreal.Verstappen had been running second behind Lando Norris, who had passed him laps earlier, when the Safety Car was deployed, allowing the Red Bull driver to pit for fresh intermediates and pick up the lead when Norris ahead stopped a lap later. He would pass Norris a second time in the pits after switching to dry tyres and never be headed for the rest of the race.
“It was a pretty crazy race,” Verstappen said. “A lot of things were happening and we really had to be on top of our calls.
“I think as a team, we just did really well today. We remained calm. I think we pitted at the right time. Of course the Safety Car worked out nicely for us, but even after that, I think we were managing the gaps quite well.”
Verstappen was pleased Red Bull were able to win a race where they faced pressure and challenges from the elements and other rivals.
“I love it,” he said. “That was a lot of fun. Those kind of races, you need them once in a while.”
The championship leader was heard complaining about the ride of his RB20 over the kerbs in the later stages of the race. However, he insisted that it was “not particularly an issue.”
“We know what it is, so we just need to work on it,” he continued. “But nevertheless we won. That’s the most important thing and we still have a lot of room to improve.”
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Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
10th June 2024, 11:58
It was indeed a “pretty crazy race” Max …. and thoroughly enjoyable because of it.
More like this please …. and not just “once in a while” ;)