Max Verstappen says he’s happy with Pink Bull’s efficiency within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he dominated the race however misplaced out on the drivers’ championship to Lando Norris.
The defending champion wanted to win the race and have Norris end off the rostrum to retain his title, resulting in expectations he would again the sector as much as attempt to create alternatives for others to get forward of the McLaren. Nonetheless, Oscar Piastri – beginning on onerous tires in comparison with the opposite two title contenders on mediums – overtook Norris at the beginning and Verstappen stated it made it too tough to strive that strategy.
“Actually, we maximized all the pieces that we may,” Verstappen stated. “We put it on pole and we received the race. We had very sturdy tempo, so there’s actually not a lot that I may have achieved in another way.
“What difficult it a bit was that Oscar was on a distinct technique. You by no means know when he then pits, how a lot tempo he has in hand to catch up once more. That additionally complicates a bit making an attempt to maintain the pack collectively or no matter. Total, simply very proud once more of the weekend that we had. We put all of it on the market and the automotive was really gratifying to drive.
“I had loads of eventualities in my head [pre-race], however then [once] I knew the tires Oscar had on the automotive, that might be fairly tough. I believe we have been most likely a bit too fast up entrance. The others couldn’t actually observe that effectively.
“Charles [Leclerc] drove his coronary heart out immediately to attempt to get onto that podium, in order that was additionally spectacular to see. They went for a two-stop. I believe even that made it extra difficult as a result of in case you keep on a one-stop, backing the entire thing up is hard. This new structure round right here makes it even more durable to do this in comparison with 2016 or no matter.”
Verstappen admits he was being attentive to what was occurring behind him whereas extending his lead, as he wrapped up a 3rd race win in a row however fell two factors quick within the championship struggle.
“I simply saved wanting on the display screen to see if one thing would pop up,” he stated. “The race itself went very well, and I used to be simply having fun with sitting within the automotive and driving it. Each straight you retain wanting if one thing occurs, however on the similar time, that is a part of racing, so I used to be probably not too fussed about it.”
The Dutchman had phrases of reward for Norris and McLaren after the season finale, 4 years on from his personal first championship in Abu Dhabi.
“Successful your first title is one thing that I believe all of us dreamt of while you get into the game,” he stated. “You’re employed for that because you’re a little bit child. It’s what you dream of, so while you win your first title, that is very emotional – I hope [it is] for Lando as effectively.
“I noticed loads of his household is right here, so it’s essential to take pleasure in this so much tonight, [and] additionally together with his group. I believe, once more, that’s one other story the place it confirmed that even when you may have powerful years, while you hold working onerous, you retain including good individuals to the group, you may overcome all of these issues and you’ll develop into very profitable once more. They’d an unimaginable season collectively, so it’s essential that they take pleasure in it.”
