Verstappen after easing to win in Qatar: 'It was tough today'

After the race, Verstappen looked relatively fresh. Asked by David Coulthard, who did the interviews, if this was his toughest race ever, the Dutchman said, "One of the toughest. Top five, probably," Verstappen said.

Verstappen praises fast McLarens

Verstappen's win was never in danger after he led from first throughout. "What made my race was the first stint. It was important to keep my tyres good. After that, I was able to manage the race. The McLarens were fast. It was spicy today."

Verstappen also had to make mandatory three pit stops following problems with the Pirelli tyres. The mandatory stops made it a separate Grand Prix. Yet, for Verstappen, it does not have to become a regular new element in the races. "I prefer that we can push as long as possible, no forced pit stops. These cars are designed to handle the tyres well. So today, we couldn't optimise that, which is normally our strongest point. We are going to see what we are going to improve in the future."