Verstappen raises "question mark" over Leclerc VSC speed
Verstappen raises "question mark" over Leclerc VSC speed
Max Verstappen has revealed his surprise at how Charles Leclerc was able to close up under virtual safety car conditions in the fight for victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion had made his way past the Ferrari driver after a thrilling battle at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit but shortly after, Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso triggered a virtual safety car period.
When the neutralisation ended, Leclerc seemingly closed back up to the Red Bull, setting up a grandstand finish.
Asked if he was surprised by the shortening of the gap: "To be honest, I was a little bit surprised myself that it did look a little bit closer, but I don't know how close Charles was, of course to zero, you know, with the delta.
"That's always a bit of a question mark. But also, sometimes it depends a bit where the restart is: if it's in a corner for somebody in front or not.
"I think I was still on a bit more of the straight side and had a bit of a better run into turn four as well. So, it's a bit tricky."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner suggested the pair were playing "cat and mouse" at the final DRS detection point.
Addressing the tactical battle, Verstappen explained: "You always try to of course have a good run with the DRS into the final zone, where then you have a lot of fast corners where you cannot pass so, of course, you know Charles played is very smart there, but also, it seemed like their defence/attack mode is very powerful.
"So, for me also, even more top speed. It was very hard to nail the overtake, but eventually, it worked."
Daily poll - Have F1's regulation changes made racing better?
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 paddock favourite admits immense DOUBTS over Verstappen Red Bull future
- 51 minutes ago
Hamilton F1 rival makes SURPRISE claim about Ferrari move
- 1 hour ago
Schumacher names shock F1 star to replace Hulkenberg at Haas
- 2 hours ago
Hamilton in Arsenal title wish after STUNNING revelation
- 3 hours ago
F1 boss 'in early talks' to SELL 25 percent of team
- Today 13:57
Will F1 hopeful Antonelli replace Sargeant from Imola?
- Today 12:58
Related news
Red Bull F1 stars offer contrasting F1 advice to next generation
F1 pundit details GLARING Mercedes issue
Bearman reveals F1 LEGEND 'message' sent to him before Ferrari debut
Hamilton hug with Bearman and Tsunoda BLANKS Sky presenter – FIVE things you may have missed at the Saudi Arabian GP
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