Max Verstappen reveals which 2019 win gave him goose bumps

Max Verstappen

Verstappen reveals which 2019 win gave him goose bumps

It was a memorable triumph!

Matthew Scott

Monday 16 December 2019 17:00

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Max Verstappen says victory at this year's Austrian Grand Prix was his favourite outing of the 2019 Formula 1 season and says only the triumph at Spielberg gave him goose bumps.

Verstappen's best result through eight races of the campaign was a pair of third-place finishes in Australia and Spain as Red Bull's RB15 struggled amid new aerodynamic regulations.

A new front wing unlocked much of the car's potential in Austria, however, Verstappen qualifying second and then carving through the field after dropping as low as eighth on a poor start to the race.

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The Dutchman passed polesitter Charles Leclerc in the closing stages of the race to win on Red Bull's home turf for the second year in a row.

"That was emotional and an amazing feeling," Verstappen told Ziggo Sport. "The races beforehand, we weren't that great on pace and suddenly we won Austria.

"We couldn't have planned it any better. We'd brought updates to that Grand Prix and the weekend was going well.

"For me, it was the win of the season. It all came together and as team there was no better moment to win.

"I live for podiums and of course wins, but everything around it can be great too and give me goose bumps. When I watch the Austrian Grand Prix, I get goose bumps."

Verstappen also took victories in chaotic races in Germany and Brazil and ended the campaign in a career-best third place in the drivers' championship, raising hopes for a title challenge in 2020.

"Compared to Mercedes, we're close on power, so the pressure is on for next year," he said. "We need the pressure and we need to raise the bar. Everyone has to be at their best. The same is expected of me.

"We're on the right track, so let's hope we have a good winter. I've seen a huge amount of commitment but we need a good winter."