'Driver of the Day' Verstappen happy to reach podium at his 'own pace'

©RedBull

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Max Verstappen - Formula 1's 'Driver of the Day' in Barcelona - proclaimed himself happy to secure his second podium of the season despite his Red Bull being no match for the dominate Mercedes squad in Spain.

Verstappen held his own off the grid but gained a spot when Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel lost momentum on the exit of the first complex of corners.

"I had a good start, but it was a bit hectic in the first corner," admitted the Dutchman.

"When I saw Vettel and both Mercedes go together into Turn 1, I backed off, which positioned me well for Turn 3.

"That made me come back from P5 to P3. That was good, as it set me up for the race. After which I could drive my own pace."

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Indeed, it was a relatively uneventful afternoon thereafter for Verstappen save for a Safety car period that produced a hope of challenging his Mercedes rivals.

To no avail unfortunately as the Silver Arrows drivers were in a league of their own.

"The Mercedes were quick, I think they were trying at the end as hard as they could but of course I was also pushing flat out.

"We were competitive, the speed was good and I am happy to be on the podium."

©RedBull

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner praised his driver for a job well done in Barcelona and for keeping Ferrari's chargers at bay at the end of the day.

"Max drove a great race today, great performance," Horner told Sky F1.

"First all, to beat Ferrari here when they were so strong in pre-season nine or ten weeks ago is just a great result for the team.

"If you look at Verstappen's performance since Monaco last year, he's been phenomenal, driving with a great deal of maturity, he's enjoying that and it's really lifted his game.

"For Monaco, we've always run well there and Max is due a bit of redemption there so hopefully we can give them [Ferrari, Mercedes] a hard time there," Horner added.

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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.