Verstappen reveals uncertainty over "aggressive" Red Bull strategy in USGP win

Max Verstappen has conceded to being unsure of Red Bull's race-winning "aggressive" strategy play during the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen extended his points lead over Lewis Hamilton from six to 12 at the Circuit of the Americas after executing an undercut to regain track position having initially lost out to the Mercedes into turn one.

In the final stint, Verstappen was forced to maintain a gap to Hamilton on hard tyres that were eight laps older than that of his rival but was able to prevent the Mercedes driver from getting within DRS range.

“Of course, we lost out in the start so we had to try and do something else but the tyre wear is quite high around this track," said Verstappen.

“So we went aggressive and I was not sure it was going to work but the last few laps were fun. A bit sideways through the high-speed corners but super happy to have hung on.”

Although a voice of confidence during the race, team principal Christian Horner revealed after the race that Verstappen's tyres were "out" some way from the chequered flag.

“I think I’ve aged about 25 years during that race," Horner told Sky Sports F1.

"I really didn’t think we could hang on at the end there because it was just such a long stint and we were out of tyres after I last spoke to you.

“I didn’t want to give that away so for him to protect the tyres, hanging there where he needed to be, he deserves that victory today.”

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