Verstappen was stuck behind Hamilton: 'He just kept driving in the middle'

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Verstappen explains situations after Las Vegas Grand Prix
19 November 2023 at 08:52
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  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was an exciting and a chaotic one, including for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman found himself in unexpected situations several times. Among others, the reigning world champion had a moment with Charles Leclerc and George Russell. Verstappen explains after the race.

"I had a very good start. I actually didn't expect it at all, because there was just less grip there," opened Verstappen at Viaplay. "Only we [Leclerc and I] both braked very late, and I just didn't have any grip on the inside. So it was just sliding, sliding and sliding. Then we both went wide because of that, of course," the 26-year-old driver explained.

Verstappen stuck behind Hamilton

"After that [the pit stop with a five-second penalty] you obviously have to overtake quite a few people," Verstappen continued after the race. "I lost a lot of time behind Lewis. He just kept driving in the middle with a flat tyre, so that was not ideal either," said the driver who managed to win all three Grands Prix in the United States this season.

Verstappen's victory resulted in a serenade from the Red Bull driver in which he briefly showed off his talents. On the track he may be unbeatable, but musically it is not yet anything to write home about. "I sang Elvis, but not like Elvis. Everyone's qualities. I already knew that's not where my qualities lay." What will Verstappen be singing in Abu Dhabi in a fortnight' time? "I don't know. Let's see what's popular in Abu Dhabi."