Verstappen explains sudden turn of pace during Chinese GP

Max Verstappen explained exactly why he started catching his competitors after a poor start to the Chinese Grand Prix.

The defending Drivers' Champion still doesn't have the car beneath him to challenge for race victories on a consistent basis. A title defence at this stage looks unlikely for the Dutchman.

In fact, Verstappen's relative pace dropped off around the Shanghai International Circuit compared to the likes of McLaren and the Mercedes of George Russell.

He qualified for the Grand Prix in fourth, almost two tenths down on the pole time by Oscar Piastri. It looked like he might finish the race in as low as sixth position, as both Ferraris overtook the four-time World Champion on the opening lap.

However, the Dutchman found extra pace when everyone else was struggling in the second half of the Grand Prix, getting back past the Ferrari cars and ending up where he started, P4.

More Tyre Grip

Verstappen was even catching Russell and may have been in with a chance of a podium if the race was a few laps longer.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Grand Prix, Verstappen explained why he suddenly started catching his rivals.

©RedBull

"I suddenly picked up tyre grip, not balance, that was the same.

"I had more tyre grip where others maybe plateaued a bit more and the lap times were more promising for us at least and also more fun to drive.

"The first half of the race was quite tough but we set out to do our own pace. In the Sprint, I tried to keep up with them but my tyres died.

"The tyres were still in decent shape when I pitted but that is also not how we want to race. A lot to analyse but at least the second stint was more promising and I hope we can take some learnings out of that into Japan," added Verstappen.

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When asked about where he thinks Red Bull need to improve to challenge for wins, Verstappen continued: "It's difficult to say when you don't really know where or how to find it.

"At least that last stint, there's a bit more of a clearer picture. We will go through the data, learn a bit more and hopefully be more competitive in Suzuka," concluded the Dutch driver.

Verstappen will be back behind the wheel of his RB21 at the Japanese Grand Prix, which starts at 06:00 GMT on Sunday 6 April (14:00 local time).

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