Max Verstappen unexpectedly took the top spot in the Sprint Race ahead of the F1 US GP, but warns that championship winners McLaren will be ones to watch in the full length event.
Plot Twist!
In fact, the four times World Champion would have probably had to concede the top spot to the papaya duo, had not them surprisingly crashed at the first turn, causing the retirement of both Norris and Piastri.
The Red Bull driver went on to dominate the short trip around Austin, even shortened by the two Safety Cars issued by Piastri and Norris and Stroll and Ocon’s crashes.
Verstappen was pleased with his strong performance in the Sprint Race ahead of the F1 US GP race weekend. However, he maintains some doubts concerning his full length race winning potential, especially with both McLaren drivers to contend.
“Yeah, I mean, the start was good, then, of course, there was a safety car because of the turn one incident. It took a few laps after the safety car to have decent pace, so we need to figure out what was going on there.”
A pleasant Saturday for the reigning champion
All in all, the Dutch driver is able to carry home eight points, which assist him in his last minute title attempt.
“Nevertheless, we won the sprint which is, of course, the most important, but, of course, already looking at tomorrow. I do think we need to be a bit better in race trim to be able to fight the McLarens because we haven’t seen anything of them”
Verstappen also elaborated on his lack of feeling with the rear, which he had mentioned during the final stages of the Sprint Race ahead of the F1 US GP. It is definitely not a positive sign for the Milton Keynes-based team. Even more so when considering that out of the 19 race laps, only 11 were at full gas because of the safety car race neutralisation.
The issue affected him while he was fending off George Russell’s dives for P2, but in spite of that Verstappen managed to keep hold of his P1. There will definitely be some fixing to do, however, before the beginning of Qualifying in a short while.
“Kind of, yes. Well, we’ll have a look. Of course we have some ideas what we can do and then hopefully we’ll just, yeah, stick a bit better tomorrow.“
