Calm and clean Verstappen says he hasn't changed his approach

Max Verstappen insists he went into Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix without changing a thing about his driving, concluding his impeccable race with a spot on the podium.

An agitated week followed Verstappen's messy Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with pundits criticizing the young Dutchman for unleashing all too often an impetuosity that has led to a string of costly mistakes.

In Montreal however, he never put a foot wrong, putting himself at the top of the timesheet in free practice and just missing out on a runner-up spot to Sebastian Vettel in the race after battling Mercedes Valtteri Bottas.

Team Talk - Sunday in Montreal

"The whole weekend we were very competitive and in the race, with the tyres we had, I think we maximised our strategy and we were very happy with the result," said Verstappen.

Every single weekend you go in you try to win and here practice has been good, Qualifying has been positive and the race went well too.

"Of course we’re very pleased with that and to come away with a podium and challenging for second at the end at this track, which is not ideal for us, is really positive.

"When you feel confident with the car then you can do a good job, and during the race I think we managed the car in the best way possible on the hypersoft tyres.

"The tyres were holding on really well at the end when I was challenging Valtteri because he was fuel saving which shows our car was working well and for sure we have a very competitive car at the moment."

©WRI

Queried after the race about keeping himself clean all weekend and whether it had been the result of a change of mindset, Verstappen denied any easing up or trying a different approach.

"Honestly I don't think so. I always want a good weekend, and of course I am always motivated to have a good weekend," he said.

"So I also think if I would do something different because of that, then normally I'm not doing a good job because I am not on it, or 100 percent on it.

"Some drivers are like that. When they get a bit angry they can perform better. I'm normally not really an angry person. Maybe some other people have a different opinion.

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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.