Max Verstappen admits catching Ferrari would have been tricky

Verstappen in Canada — Photo: © LAT Images

Canadian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen admits catching Ferrari would have been tricky

Verstappen held on to beat Sainz in Montreal

Sam Hall

Sunday 19 June 2022 22:35 Updated: 00:41

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Max Verstappen conceded it would have been "tricky" to catch Carlos Sainz had it not been for a late safety car period at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Verstappen claimed his first victory in Montreal after the intervention allowed the Ferrari driver to pit for fresh tyres and engage in a frantic duel to the chequered flag.

Before Yuki Tsunoda's accident had triggered the interruption, Sainz was leading the race but on old tyres, although Verstappen had been unable to eat into the Spanish driver's nine-second advantage with the pair on different strategies.

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Asked if he could have caught Sainz without the disruption, Verstappen explained: "Overall, they were very strong in the race so yes, it would have been tricky to catch up but then, of course, the safety car came out so they had fresher tyres.

"I would have preferred attacking instead of defending, but luckily it worked out."

The closing 15 laps saw Sainz threaten Verstappen under DRS on every lap as the former searched for his first F1 victory.

Verstappen: The last few laps were fun

Reflecting on the pressure, Verstappen added: "Overall, they were very quick in the race so it would have been really tough for me to close that gap to the end, even on fresher tyres. But it was really exciting at the end.

"I was giving it everything I had. Of course, Carlos was doing the same. Following is tricky around here but I could see he was pushing, charging [his battery].

"But of course, naturally, when you are in the DRS, it is a bit easier to charge. The last few laps were a lot of fun."