Max Verstappen celebrating his Sprint victory - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen gains after McLarens DNF: 'Nice for everyone in general'

20:19, 18 Oct

Updated: 21:44, 18 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

After gaining important points in the standings, Max Verstappen believes 'it's better for everyone' that he got closer to the two McLarens.

"It brings me a bit closer for sure, which I think is nice for everyone. Maybe not for them, but in general for everyone."

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen won the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix scoring eight important points this Saturday.

The two McLaren drivers crashed out on Lap 1, after Oscar Piastri first made contact with Nico Hulkenberg, and as a result got punted into Lando Norris.

With the Dutchman crossed the finish line in first place, he is now 55 points behind Piastri in the drivers' standings.

The Lap 1 incident at the COTA Sprint - Photo: Race Pictures

"It’s not about believing in it," Verstappen began about what was a positive result for him in terms of the title battle.

He continued: "I just take it race by race. I just try to do the best I can. Today yes, perfect for me to get those points.

"It brings me a bit closer for sure, which I think is nice for everyone. Maybe not for them, but in general for everyone."

Looking at the Sprint as a whole, the Red Bull driver was not entirely satisfied.

"Yes, I look into different things. I was not entirely happy with the pace in the sprint and I know if we want to win tomorrow, we need to be better. And that's what I’ll just focus on," the Red Bull Racing driver concluded after the Sprint.

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