Verstappen reveals how Schumacher contributed to "incredible" USGP win
Verstappen reveals how Schumacher contributed to "incredible" USGP win
Max Verstappen has revealed how backmarker Mick Schumacher played a pivotal role in his crucial United States Grand Prix victory.
With Lewis Hamilton reeling in Verstappen over the final third of the race at the Circuit of the Americas, at one stage the Red Bull driver aired concern as he came across the Haas of Schumacher on the penultimate lap.
Despite calling for Schumacher to get out of his way, the young German driver gave him a helping hand that allowed Verstappen to open up his DRS just as Hamilton was breathing down his neck.
"The whole race the pressure was on because of not knowing how quick Lewis was going to get you," said Verstappen.
"We went very aggressive on the first stop after losing the lead at the start. Then again during the middle stint, Lewis was within that undercut range so we had to respond. We had to go early again.
"And the last stint was very long, in this heat especially. We managed to hang on at the end, with just enough in the tyres to push.
"With two laps I had the Haas in front of me and going into the last sector he was in front, and especially with worn tyres, it’s not easy to follow.
"Luckily he stayed in front so he gave me that DRS, so whatever I lost [on the penultimate lap] I think it stabilised because of that DRS.
"The last lap was all about trying to have a good first sector and beginning of the second sector. It wasn’t easy because the tyres were really finished. But it's incredible to win here."
At the second round of stops, Verstappen pitted at the halfway point of the 56-lap race for a fresh set of hards, with Hamilton following suit eight laps later.
At that stage, there was a near nine-second gap between the duo that Hamilton had closed to one second by the time they came across Schumacher.
Assessing the feeling of being hunted down, Verstappen added: "I’ve been in this position before where you are in the lead with the older tyres or the other way around where you are hunting.
"I just tried to do the best I could and tried to be consistent, trying to find the grip within the tyre, without damaging it too much. It wasn’t easy but I think at the end of the day that made it really exciting."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- Today 00:27
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- Yesterday 22:57
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Sainz manager speaks out on 'game playing' over contract
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
F1 applies for trademark for new US grand prix venue
FIA summon FOUR F1 teams to official hearing over alleged rule breaches
Hamilton disputes FIA punishment and claims 'a lot of other cars were illegal'
F1 champion slams 'dirty' Max Verstappen move
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860