Verstappen: 'Taking an extra risk was my only chance'

40

Max Verstappen admits he forced the issue when overtook Lewis Hamilton for the lead on lap four, knowing the championship leader had 'more to lose'.

Hamilton stormed off the grid and led the field into Turn 1 but couldn't shake off a fast moving Verstappen.

The Red BUll Racing driver took his chances and dived down the inside of the Mercedes at Turn 1 on lap 4, fully aware that his risk-adverse rival would likely not resist the move.

"I had a good run out of last corner and opted to go for inside," Verstappen recalled.

"I knew Lewis had more to lose as he was fighting for the championship.

Verstappen victorious in final Malaysian Grand Prix

"I took an extra risk because of it, it was my only chance. I could see he was clipping more than I was, so I was happy to get past."

The Dutchman was left in command for the rest of the afternoon, never putting a foot wrong as he raced to the checkered flag.

"Once I was past Lewis, I could focus on pace and look after my tyres," Verstappen added.

"It was pleasing – it was the first time I have had that in my [F1] career.

"I just had to stay very focused, because with the backmarkers you could lose a lot of time, I almost got taken out at Turn 1, but afterwards I could control everything."

Given his spell of bad luck this year, Verstappen admitted it was an emotional win which dissipated many of the season's bad memories.

"I was where I wanted to be, I was very happy," Max said about racing at the front.

"I haven't been for that many laps, so as soon as I'm there it reminds me of the go-kart days!"

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.