16/06/2025 09:15
Max Verstappen explained that Red Bull was forced to take an
"aggressive strategy" in the Canadian Grand Prix, where he secured
second behind George Russell. The Dutchman started in second and
remained there the entire race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve,
managing his tyres the best he could. However, tyre wear was an
issue for Red Bull in the opening half of the race, resulting in an
aggressive approach to its pitstops which occurred earlier than
expected. As a result, the four-time world champion found himself
at a tyre disadvantage for the bulk of the race, but actually found
improved pace in the closing stages. Despite this, he could not get
within striking distance of Russell and had to settle for second
position. When asked if second was the maximum, Verstappen replied:
"Yeah, I think so. It was quite a good race, even though, I think
the first two stints we were struggling quite a bit on the tyre, so
we were doing quite an aggressive strategy. "But luckily in that
final stint, we managed to hang in there, and actually the pace was
a bit better on a bit lower fuel load. So that was good. "I think
we drove an attacking slash defending race, attacking with the
strategy, defending, of course, with the cars behind. "But it
worked out for us. And I think that was, yeah, the maximum possible
for us today." Red Bull did protest Russell's victory for multiple
moments whilst behind the safety car; however, it was rejected by
the FIA.
