Verstappen: I don't know how I finished British Grand Prix

Max Verstappen

Verstappen: I don't know how I finished British Grand Prix

His car was a mess.

Martin Macdonald

Sunday 14 July 2019 17:51 Updated: 17:57

Max Verstappen admits he doesn’t know how he managed to finish the British Grand Prix on Sunday after his car was significantly damaged following a huge collision with Sebastian Vettel which saw him rear-ended.

After surviving a battle with Charles Leclerc, Verstappen had Vettel in his sights and eventually overtook the German just before turn 17. Vettel, in his attempts to rebound, misjudged the space available and ending up going through the back of the Red Bull.

The Ferrari driver’s car was left in such a state that he limped to a 17th place finish, while Verstappen recovered to finish fifth, despite also suffering damage.

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“I was catching Seb, managing the tyres a bit, then I went for it, got round the outside. Then I defended into 17 but got rear-ended,” said Verstappen.

“We already spoke to each other and he apologised.

“I honestly don't know how I brought that car to the finish. I think my power steering failed. My seat was out so every time braking I was moving forward. Corners I was moving left and right.

*That* collision 👀#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/iJTkfTK0nL
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 14, 2019

“When I jumped out of the car the whole floor and the rear was destroyed. So, happy to finish fifth.”

The British Grand Prix presented spectators with another superb duel between Verstappen and Leclerc following the epic conclusion to the Austrian GP, and the former was happy that the hard racing continued from the Red Bull Ring.

“They were very hard and aggressive so that was good. I didn't want to risk too much,” he added.

“It was good to see, and good to be in it.

“After the pits I had no grip so he came by again. Then we were again attacking. Then the team, I think, made the right call with the pit stop on the hard tyres so we had that advantage over Leclerc. Then it was all looking good. We had good pace.”