Verstappen: I’m not right here to be second

Max Verstappen remained on the prime of the Method One world championship in Saudi Arabia on Sunday however stated he was nonetheless not blissful about having to accept second within the race behind Purple Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

The Dutch driver paid the worth for a driveshaft failure in qualifying on Saturday that left him combating from fifteenth on the grid in Jeddah, whereas Perez began from pole place.

“I acquired second again, which is sweet and naturally, typically, all the sensation within the crew, everyone seems to be blissful,” Verstappen advised reporters.

“However personally I’m not blissful as a result of I’m not right here to be second, particularly if you’re additionally working very onerous on the manufacturing facility to be sure to get right here in fine condition and mainly to verify every little thing is so as.

“After which it’s important to do a restoration race, which I like. I don’t thoughts doing it. However if you’re combating for a championship and particularly when it looks like it’s simply between two automobiles, it’s important to be sure that each automobiles are dependable. “.

The 2-time world champion, who received the opening race in Bahrain with Pérez second, remained on the prime of the general standings as a result of he set the quickest lap on his approach to the checkered flag.

“It wasn’t very simple to get by means of the pitch,” Verstappen stated.

He was already second at mid-range, however was startled when he seen that the driveshaft was “a bit tough.”

“It makes a wierd noise at excessive velocity,” he advised his race engineer.

Staff boss Christian Horner stated Purple Bull reviewed the info and located nothing to fret about, leaving the 2 drivers free to run.

“I used to be in second place, we had an enormous hole behind, so at one level we determined to name it a day and accept second, which I feel was an excellent restoration anyway,” Verstappen stated. “I attempted it on the finish (for quickest lap) so fortunately it labored.”

Verstappen has now led the standings for 19 races in a row, relationship again to the Spanish Grand Prix final Could.