Max Verstappen says he’s pleased with Purple Bull’s efficiency on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the place they dominated the race however missed out on the drivers’ championship to Lando Norris.
The defending champions wanted to win races and end on the rostrum to retain their title, so it was hoped that Norris’ sponsorship would create an opportunity for others to get forward of McLaren. Nevertheless, whereas the opposite two title contenders began on medium tyres, Oscar Piastri began on laborious tyres, and though he overtook Norris at the beginning, Verstappen mentioned it was too tough to attempt that method.
“Actually, we made probably the most of the whole lot we might,” Verstappen mentioned. “We took pole place and gained the race. We had such robust tempo that there was little else we might do.
“What was a bit difficult was that Oscar had a distinct technique. You do not know when he will pit or how a lot tempo he has to catch up. It additionally complicates the trouble somewhat bit to maintain the pack collectively and so forth. All in all, I am very pleased with the weekend we had once more. We gave it our all and the automobile was really enjoyable to drive.”
“I had quite a lot of situations in my head[before the race]however as soon as you discover out what tires Oscar has on the automobile, it will be fairly tough. I feel I used to be in all probability somewhat too quick in entrance. The opposite guys did not comply with that effectively. However I had quite a lot of situations in my head earlier than the race.”
“Charles (Leclerc) tried his greatest to get on that podium as we speak, so it was spectacular to see that too. They went for 2 stops, which I feel made it much more difficult, as a result of for those who keep at one cease it is laborious to go all the best way again. With the brand new structure round right here, it is even more durable to try this in comparison with, say, 2016.”
Verstappen admitted he was taking note of what was occurring behind him as he prolonged his lead, profitable his third race in a row however falling two factors in need of the championship.
“I simply saved trying on the display screen to see if one thing would pop up,” he mentioned. “The race itself went very well. I used to be simply having fun with sitting within the automobile and driving. I preserve seeing if one thing occurs each straight, however on the identical time it is a part of the race so I did not make an excessive amount of of a fuss.”
The Dutchman was filled with reward for Norris and McLaren after the ultimate race of the season, 4 years after his first championship in Abu Dhabi.
“I feel profitable your first title is one thing everybody goals of after they begin this sport,” he mentioned. “I have been working in the direction of this since I used to be little. It has been my dream, so profitable the title for the primary time could be very emotional. I hope it is the identical for Lando as effectively.”
“I noticed quite a lot of his household coming, so it is necessary to have quite a lot of enjoyable tonight (and) together with his workforce. Once more, I feel that is one other story that reveals that even when you’ve got a troublesome 12 months, for those who preserve working laborious, for those who preserve including good folks to your workforce, you’ll be able to overcome all of that and have nice success once more. They’d a fantastic season collectively, so it is necessary to get pleasure from it.”
