Max Verstappen adds another victory to his collection, even when the RB20 was not the fastest car. McLaren confirmed the elite performance of the MCL38, but an impeccable Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull. Tire management, strategy and pit stops made the difference.
At the end of the race, Verstappen was more satisfied than usual, aware that won without the fastest car in Spain.
VERSTAPPEN: “WE NO LONGER HAVE THE SUPERIORITY WE HAD BEFORE, BUT WE ARE STRONG IN RACE EXECUTION”
It is now a fact that Red Bull has lost its clear superiority. Between Imola, Monaco, Canada and Barcelona, the RB20 is clearly no longer the fastest. Not only that, but the car produced in Milton Keynes has rarely been the fastest. It is often McLaren that has the fastest car in recent events, as Verstappen explained after the race:
“McLaren has the best package on the different types of circuits. But I was hoping to have a little bit more of an advantage here.” -the Dutchman confessed.
Many expected the Barcelona circuit to adapt to the RB20. However, there were no signs of the dominant Red Bull returning. Although Verstappen’s gap to pole position was just 0.02, the actual difference between Red Bull and McLaren was around two tenths.
On Sunday, it was the start of the race, along with McLaren’s questionable strategy, that gave Verstappen the opportunity. As usual, he seized the opportunity with both hands.
“The key to the race was passing Lando at the start, and then George in the early stages of the race. “It helped me create a gap with others.” Verstappen analyzed the post-race.
In the end, the Dutchman’s advantage until the checkered flag can be attributed to his good start. Red Bull’s very efficient execution also made the difference:
“We are not the fastest, but we do not make mistakes during the race. We continue to be aggressive in these decisions, but we definitely need to increase the performance of the car..“
Verstappen was satisfied with his race, but does not hide that Red Bull’s previous advantage has disappeared. Rivals, and especially McLaren, have closed the gap.
Only a perfectly executed race allowed the reigning champion to further extend his lead in the championship at the Spanish GP.
