Verstappen entirely dissatisfied despite P2: 'This is simply unacceptable'

18:53, 31 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

Max Verstappen finished the Dutch Grand Prix in second place. Following the conclusion of the race, the Red Bull driver reacted to his outing largely with mixed emotions.

For much of the event, he seemed on course to finish third at the Zandvoort event. However, that changed when Lando Norris' car went up in smoke. The Brit suffered from an oil leak, forcing him to retire in the final laps. This allowed Verstappen to move up to second place, while Isack Hadjar claimed the final spot on the podium.

Verstappen tough on Red Bull after Dutch GP

After the race, Verstappen speaking to Viaplay said, “Of course, very happy to be on the podium. In terms of pace, things were not going well, of course. I think that it had more to do with the qualifications that we were in third place in the race than anything else. In terms of race pace, it wasn't going great.”

After the restarts, Verstappen couldn't keep up with the McLarens. The Dutchman drew a painful conclusion: “The McLarens are on another level. I cannot compare myself to them.” He continued that he did not feel good during the entire race: “Actually, having to fight in pace with our sister team. That's not supposed to happen.”

“That is not good [that Hadjar could keep up with him],” Verstappen said next. “The car simply isn't quick enough. I also have to play it very safe on those fast corners, while everyone else is going full throttle in turns 7 and 8. And, I still just did not have grip. Of course, that's not good. Naturally, it was better in the qualification for one round, but this car has not been good in this season's race.”

Max Verstappen on the podium with Oscar Piastri and Isack Hadjar

Verstappen jokes with Norris

Verstappen opted for an alternative strategy during the race, explaining afterwards that there was a clear reason for his choice. According to the Dutchman, he did not have grip on the hard tyre on Friday. He pointed out that while other teams could manage this, Red Bull could not.

After Verstappen briefly commented on Hadjar's podium and the audience in Zandvoort, Norris stood next to him. The Dutchman then asked the McLaren driver if there would be a new engine in the next race. Norris responded by imitating the sound of a speeding car, probably referring to a fresh new engine. The McLaren driver also said he hoped Verstappen would crash his car into the wall during a moment in turn 2 of the first round. Both of them laughed at this.