Max Verstappen: Red Bull is "just too slow"

Max Verstappen

Verstappen: Red Bull is "just too slow"

The Dutchman knew he couldn't hold off Bottas in closing stages of Styrian Grand Prix

Ewan Gale

Sunday 12 July 2020 17:02 Updated: 17:15

Max Verstappen admitted that he and Red Bull were "just too slow" as he slipped from second to third in the Styrian Grand Prix in the closing stages.

Verstappen struggled in the latter part of the race, losing time to Valterri Bottas - who pitted 10 laps later than the Dutchman - on worn tyres and suffering from front wing damage.

After defending valiantly through turns four, five and six, Verstappen was swamped by the Mercedes with five laps remaining, eventually pitting in the dying stages for a failed attempt at the fastest lap.

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Speaking to Martin Brundle after the race, Verstappen claimed he did everything he could to hang on to second place.

He said: "I tried, but we are just too slow.

"I pushed as hard as I could, also when Valterri was trying to pass me I tried to make it a little bit difficult.

"I knew he was going to get by one lap later but it was at least fun because the race was pretty boring. A podium is good, but still a lot of work to do."

Red Bull will have the opportunity to make amends as the F1 season continues in Hungary next week.

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