Max Verstappen secured second place at the Canadian GP, executing a bold race strategy to bring home vital points for Red Bull. With 155 points in the standings, the reigning world champion now sits third as he continues his pursuit of a fifth consecutive title. Verstappen moreover showed notable restraint during the weekend, avoiding further infractions and staying clear of a 12th penalty point and consequent race ban.
Aggressive strategy pays off
Verstappen credited Red Bull’s aggressive approach for the result, though he admitted the first two stints were far from easy.
“Yeah, I think so. It was quite a good race even though I think the two stints we were struggling quite a bit on the tyres. So we were doing quite an aggressive strategy,” he said.
Verstappen admitted that the final stint on lower fuel provided some relief: “But luckily in that final stint, we managed to hang in there and actually the pace was a bit better on the bit lower fuel load. So that was good.”
The Dutchman described the race as a careful balance between attacking and defending:
“I think we drove an attacking/defending race—attacking with a strategy, defending of course with the cars behind. But it worked out for us and I think that was the maximum possible for us today.”
Realism over optimism in title race
Despite the positive outcome, Verstappen remained grounded about his title chances.
“It’s a long, long season, you know,” explained Verstappen regarding championship hopes. “So you need to go race by race, and we’ll always do the best we can,” continued the Dutchman.
Asked whether victory was ever within reach in Montreal, he was blunt: “No. Not really, to be honest.”
Verstappen pointed out that tyre degradation and a lack of raw pace continue to hinder Red Bull.
“The first two stints, I was struggling a lot with the tyres. Just too much degradation again.”
He explained how defensive tactics helped secure the position:
“So we drove quite a defensive race, to be honest, because basically two times, Kimi was about to overtake me, and we boxed. So that worked out quite well for me.
“We did a very aggressive strategy. I think the last pit stop, I was a bit worried if I was going to make it to the end competitively because on the hard tyre in the second stint, I was already struggling as well.
“So I think just a lighter fuel load helped a bit. But the gap wasn’t that big towards George.”
He noted that while strategy worked in their favour, the car simply wasn’t fast enough to challenge for the win:
“[…] and I never really felt like I had the pace to do anything. It was more about just looking in the mirror, trying to maintain that gap, try to look after my tyres to not overstress them.”
Verstappen was satisfied with the team’s execution, even if outright pace was lacking.
“It was not the easiest race, but I think as a team we managed it well. I think we definitely optimised everything we could because, honestly, throughout the whole race, I never really felt like I was actually holding on to second.
“So yeah, we did a good job. I mean, the whole weekend, I think the car was reasonable. Strategy-wise, we did the best we could.
“Well, I hope that we can start every weekend like this in terms of how I feel with the car, but overall, we do need more performance to be quick everywhere.”
Development needed for Red Bull to catch McLaren
While Red Bull beat McLaren in Montreal, Verstappen cautioned against reading too much into it.
“I also think that this weekend was a bit, I won’t say an off weekend, but McLaren wasn’t as strong as normal. And, of course, we benefited a little bit.
“But if we go to all the other tracks now coming up, we definitely need more performance to even be close to them. This has been a good weekend for us, but we need a lot more to be able to fight with them for the whole season.”
He praised the consistency of McLaren’s campaign so far:
“But what I think so far, what McLaren has shown this whole season is quite extraordinary and difficult to beat. So now, okay, one weekend is not as good, but they are still by far the favourites. And that’s not going to be something that is easily beaten.”
“A lot needs to happen for that, to be honest.” Verstappen said when asked about the likelihood of a championship battle with Piastri.
While pleased with the performance in the Canadian GP, Verstappen said Red Bull must focus on development to close the gap:
“We need to start winning races more often. And how do we do that? By being more competitive.
“We’re working hard on it with the team. Of course, bits are coming, but is it going to be enough? I don’t know. It’s small margins in this world that can give you better results every single weekend.
“But the coming races, we really want to try and improve our car,” stated Verstappen.
Hopes for Red Bull Ring return
Looking ahead, Verstappen expressed hope for a strong showing at Red Bull’s home race in Austria:
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, it’s always a great weekend there. We’ve had a lot of great results, and hopefully, we can have another strong weekend there.”
Still, he emphasized that without more pace, consistent wins will remain out of reach.
“Now, this was a good weekend, but again, not competitive enough. Like I said before, we have our moments where maybe we can win here or there, but we just need to make the car faster. Then we make it a lot easier for ourselves.”
Praise for Antonelli’s breakthrough
Verstappen also took a moment to commend rookie Kimi Antonelli for his first podium finish:
“For me, it’s not a surprise. I knew Kimi [Antonelli] coming up through the karting ranks – people were already saying great things. So I was keeping an eye on him.”
He highlighted Antonelli’s qualities:
“I think what’s impressive is he’s naturally quick. What I like is his level-headed, calm approach. Those are great qualities to have. I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year.” lauded Verstappen.
“He had a few unlucky races – one of them in the Sprint was also my fault with the pit stop. But it was just a matter of time. I’m very happy that it happened for him. It gives you more confidence. It’s a nice boost. And it will only get better.”
Verstappen concluded with encouragement for the young Italian:
“You’re in your rookie season – there’s so many things that will come at you. You learn from the weaker races, you learn from the good ones.
“In the coming years, for sure, we’ll see a lot more of Kimi [Antonelli],” claimed Verstappen
