Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
Max Verstappen

Verstappen astonished by rapid Red Bull 'swing'

Max Verstappen claimed his ninth victory of the season in the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen Qatar win
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Max Verstappen praised Red Bull for performing "one of the biggest" swings in performance he has experienced after winning the Qatar Grand Prix. 

The four-time world champion finished eighth in the Qatar sprint before the Milton Keynes-based team made crucial changes to his RB20 before the second parc fermé was introduced. 

Red Bull's remarkable recovery was evident in qualifying, where Verstappen set the second-fastest time. 

A one-place grid penalty saw the Dutchman start from second, yet he took the lead at the first corner before putting on a controlled display to claim victory. 

His win at the Lusail International Circuit was his ninth of the season, but his first in dry conditions since the Spanish Grand Prix. 

This has encouraged the 27-year-old, who has confidence Red Bull can take some aspects of the RB20 for next season's car.

"The last few races in the dry, we haven't been particularly strong on managing the tyres," said Verstappen. "And that's why I was a little careful [with what I said] after qualifying. 

“It's been nice. It's still not where I would like it to be in terms of the behaviour of the car compared to, let's say, last year. 

"But at least now, we are back in a fight to win races. So if we can learn from this year's car, take the positives, of course, from last year and try to build a better car, I'm sure we can be again very competitive next year."

In the Qatar sprint, Verstappen was in the unusual position of battling Haas' Nico Hulkenberg, who comfortably kept the reigning world champion at bay. 

To go from fighting Hulkenberg to winning the Qatar GP, Verstappen has labelled it as Red Bull's greatest turnaround.

"It's probably been one of the biggest [swings] where you're fighting Haas in the sprint to fighting for the win in the main race," added Verstappen.

Join the conversation!

x
LATEST Verstappen showers Hamilton in never 'lose it' praise