Max Verstappen admits he was 'a sitting duck' thanks to Mercedes' strategy

Max Verstappen admitted after the Spanish GP on Sunday (May 9) that he could foresee Lewis Hamilton eventually overtaking him for the win. Verstappen took the race lead on Lap 1 with an overtake on Hamilton in Turn 1 itself. However, a change in pit stop strategy by Mercedes left Hamilton on fresher tires towards the end. Red Bull’s gamble on a one-stop didn’t work and indeed, it felt like a matter of when Hamilton would take the lead rather than if. This means the Brit now leads Verstappen by 14 points in the driver’s standings.

“In a way I could see it coming. Already at the end with the softs, he (Hamilton) was faster and when he put on the mediums, he had a lot more pace. There was not much we could’ve done,” said Verstappen.

“Then they went for another stop and I knew it was over because I was already struggling with the tyres and you could see every lap, he was getting closer and closer. I was a bit of a sitting duck.

“With the cars behind, you don’t want to pit in traffic, but it makes a clear advantage when there is more pace in the car. If we would have jumped for another stop, I’m not sure we would’ve caught up again. I tried everything I could.

Lewis bossed everything this weekend#SpanishGP ?? #F1DriverOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/Utb53w46s9

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 9, 2021

However, Max Verstappen also said that while the team needs to push hard, they are happy with the progress compared to last year.

“We’re not where we want to be and we still need to push hard and catch up because at the moment we are a little bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a jump for us.”

‘What a day’

Hamilton, meanwhile, praised Mercedes for getting the strategy spot on.

“I was so close [behind Verstappen] for so long but just managed to keep the tyres in somehow. 22 seconds was a long way to come back. But it was a good gamble – a really great strategy from the team.

“I was about to get a shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflicted – ‘do I come in or ignore the call’. Did what the team asked because there is a great trust between us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What a day.”

He also said he was happy to see fans back in the stands.

“I want to acknowledge the fans that are here. It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there which I haven’t seen for a long, long time. Feel great after this. I feel like I could go again.”