Max Verstappen voices shock over end to Red Bull cold streak

Max Verstappen has admitted he was surprised to finish on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he secured his first top-three result of the season.

Verstappen started the race from sixth on the grid but quickly moved into the top four after both McLaren drivers pitted early having initially gambled on intermediate tyres.

The Dutchman also benefited from the retirement of Mercedes driver George Russell, who pulled off the circuit midway through the race with a power unit failure.

Verstappen eventually crossed the line in third place after being overtaken late on by Lewis Hamilton.

Despite the podium finish, Verstappen insisted he actually felt more comfortable with the car in Miami, where he was not in contention for a top-three result.

“To be honest, I was feeling better in Miami with the car, so I’m a little bit surprised with being on the podium here,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

“But you also have to look at it with George retiring, McLaren making a mess of the strategy. 

“For me to be here, of course I’m very happy.” 

The four-time world champion explained that he felt more competitive before making his sole pit stop of the race, after which he gradually came under pressure from Hamilton in the closing stages.

Although he ultimately lost second place, Verstappen said he still leaves Montreal feeling positive after securing Red Bull’s first podium finish of the campaign.

“On the softs we were a little bit more competitive and then on the medium I never really felt like I could switch on the tyre.

“The tyre was just not in the right window for us, and that stint was then a little bit more difficult to feel any kind of grip. 

“But we still did a good job. I think for us to have our first podium is just very positive and, of course, very pleased with that in quite tricky conditions, I would say.”