Verstappen Returns to Winning Ways With Win in Qatar GP

Despite receiving a one place grid penalty for impeding George Russell after securing pole position in qualifying. Max Verstappen found the pace that no one else could match on Sunday after he won. In response to the grid penalty Verstappen said, “I couldn’t believe that I got it. But in a way, I was also like, yeah, I’m not surprised anymore in the world that I live in. You’re not happy with it, but at one point also you have to just turn the page. But, yeah, it wasn’t very enjoyable to see that happen, because I think that’s the first time that in a slow lap someone has been penalized, while, actually, I just tried to be nice, so maybe I shouldn’t be nice.”

“But the thing is that, because at the end of the season, everything is more or less decided, for me especially, I didn’t want to screw anyone over to prepare their lap. And by doing that, being nice, basically you get a penalty. That’s what I tried to explain as well, but I just felt like I was talking to a brick wall, so there’s not much that was possible for whatever reason.”

Verstappen Spoke on a More Positive Note After the Grand Prix

Yeah, it was a very good race, said Verstappen. “Of course, already yesterday in qualifying, the car was a lot better. And, yeah, today, that first stint was very, very fast. Lando and I were just within 1.8 seconds of each other the whole time, pushing each other. And honestly, it was a lot of fun out there. This track has a lot of grip. And this year, the tires were really holding on. So that was honestly a lot of fun to be really pushing the tire. And yeah, we went really long in that first stint. After that, of course, there were a few Safety Car moments that you had to take care. But very happy. It’s been a while in the dry to be this competitive and very proud of everyone within the team to turn it around within a day. So they definitely also deserve this victory.

Norris Faced Difficult Punishment

Lando Norris was handed a 10 second stop/go penalty which dropped him to the back of the grid for failing to slow under a double waving yellow. Norris had gained 6 tenths on Verstappen in sector 1 where the flags were flown. “Honestly I don’t know what I’ve done wrong at the minute, said Norris. “Apparently I didn’t slow under the yellow. I’m not an idiot – if I knew there was a yellow I would have slowed down. I don’t know if I’ve missed it or just been dumb. But, yeah, the rule is if you don’t slow down under a yellow that’s the penalty, so it’s a fair penalty.”

With the driver’s championship decided already the battle at the front lies between Ferrari and McLaren as the season finale approaches in Abu Dhabi. McLaren currently holds a 21 point lead over the Ferrari side and can seal the constructors championship win by scoring a minimum of 24 points in the final race of the season.

Qatar Grand Prix Results