Max Verstappen revealed that he preferred not to take any risks against Charles Leclerc at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix. The Dutchman even mentioned the fear of a spectacular accident.
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Max Verstappen experienced a turbulent start at the Belgian Grand Prix. Starting second on the grid, the Red Bull driver managed to take the lead in the first corners, before seeing Kimi Antonelli and then Charles Leclerc overtake him on the long climb to Les Combes.
The four-time world champion explains that the speed differences were such that he did not consider defending his position against the Ferrari.
“I saw a red rocket coming”
After getting the better of Antonelli at the exit of La Source, Verstappen quickly realized that his lead would not last.
The Dutchman revealed that he had consumed far too much electrical energy in the first meters, which left him defenseless on the Kemmel straight.
“We clearly used too much deployment between the first and second corners. Passing through Eau Rouge, I looked at the battery level and immediately thought it was going to be difficult until Les Combes.”
Verstappen knew Antonelli would be able to overtake him, but he did not expect to see Charles Leclerc arrive at such speed.
“I expected to see Kimi overtake me. Then I looked in my mirrors and saw a real red rocket coming. I told myself I would just keep my line, because if I moved at that moment, we risked a spectacular accident. The speed differences were incredible.”
A third place despite a disrupted strategy
In the end, Verstappen finished third behind Antonelli and Leclerc, securing his fourth podium of the season.
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The Red Bull driver believes the race could have taken a different turn without the intervention of the Virtual Safety Car.
“We were a bit unlucky with the Virtual Safety Car. Without that, I might have been able to fight with Charles.”
Encouraging progress at Red Bull
Despite everything, Verstappen notes the progress shown by his Red Bull throughout the Belgian weekend.
After several difficult races, the Dutchman found a more balanced car from the first practice sessions.
“The car was immediately in a good operating window, and that helps a lot.”
However, he admits that his second stint was not up to his expectations.
“The balance was not what I hoped for during much of the second stint. I lost far too much time in the first half of that stint.”
Even though Red Bull is not yet regularly able to aim for victory, Verstappen believes this new podium confirms the team’s progress and is a positive result ahead of the rest of the season.
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