Regardless of being quickest in qualifying, the Crimson Bull driver began in the direction of the again due to a grid penalty for utilizing too many engine components.
The Dutch driver completed 17.8 seconds forward of his Crimson Bull teammate Sergio Perez, with the Mexican driver comfortably ending second forward of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in third.
After the race, Verstappen praised the work of the entire Crimson Bull group, in addition to waiting for his dwelling race, the Dutch Grand Prix, which takes place subsequent week.
“It was a extremely hectic first lap, to remain out of hassle, however after the protection automobile, the automobile was on rails,” Verstappen defined.
“After that, as soon as we have been within the lead, it was nearly simply managing every part. The entire weekend was unbelievable. It has been a weekend I could not think about — I’ll take pleasure in right this moment after which subsequent week, let’s examine what we will do.”
No lack of confidence
Beginning 14th was no downside for Verstappen.
Even earlier than the race, regardless of so many automobiles forward of him, the 24-year-old by no means misplaced confidence in his possibilities of ending on the rostrum. “I believe with the tempo we’ve within the automobile, I wish to transfer ahead, and I wish to be at the very least on the rostrum,” he stated forward of the race.
Below the sunny Belgian skies, from the primary lap, he confirmed why his confidence wasn’t misplaced. From the seventh lap, he was already as much as fifth.
And after the primary spherical of pit stops, Verstappen had the lead and appeared snug from then on, barely having to fend off any challengers all through.
“Wonderful Sunday guys, automobile was a rocket ship all weekend,” Verstappen stated on his group radio having crossed the end line.
Elsewhere, it was one other afternoon of struggles for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who crashed out of the race through the first lap having collided with Fernando Alonso.
Chatting with Sky Sports activities through the race, Hamilton stated he took duty for the crash.
“Wanting again, he was in my blind spot, I did not give him sufficient house. It’s my fault,” the 37-year-old stated.
“I couldn’t see him. I’m sorry to the group and I must recuperate and get again on the treadmill.”
