Sensible Verstappen makes the most of a difficult situation

Max Verstappen delivered a P9 finish to Red Bull with a clean and solid drive after launching his Monaco Grand Prix from the last spot on the grid.

The Dutchman admitted before the race that his priority was to see the checkered flag after his painful mishap yesterday in free practice wreaked havoc on his race weekend.

“I think we maximised the result. At the end there was a bit of train from P4 to P9,” Verstappen said.

“I don’t think there was anything more we could have done from last.”

Horner praises 'no panic' Ricciardo after MGU-K failure

The 20-year-old made the most of a difficult situation but said he had actually enjoyed his day of racing, even if he kept it on the conservative side.

“I was enjoying myself out there. Starting last I got two places from the start which was good.”

“I just didn’t want to go to risky and have a crash. I cannot be in that position now. I did everything with a certain margin. I knew if I had taken a bit more risk then I still wouldn’t have got past them.”

Verstappen was told after the race of the issues that befell his winning team mate, and promptly praised Ricciardo for his outstanding job.

“I heard he had a problem after the race and of course it is tough,” he said.

“Daniel is great driver and he did a great job today.”

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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.