Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is disappointed that he was denied “a really fun race” for 2022 French Grand Prix victory, following Charles Leclerc’s crash on Lap 18.
Leclerc led Verstappen from pole position but quickly came under immense pressure as he fought off the Red Bull driver, until Verstappen stopped at the end of Lap 16 on an one-stop tyre strategy in what many anticipated to be a tense race-long duel for victory.
Any prospects of a difficult fight soon evaporated on Lap 18 as Leclerc spun off into the barriers at Beausset on Lap 18, which triggered a Safety Car under which Verstappen claimed the lead after Lewis Hamilton pitted at the end of that lap.
Verstappen spoke post-race about his opening stint and disappointment at Leclerc’s retirement as he said: “We had really good pace from the start, although following around here, the tyres overheated a lot so I couldn’t really go for a move but I stayed calm and stayed close.
“It was really unlucky for Charles and I’m glad he’s okay, it could have been a really fun race because both cars were so quick!”
Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner echoed Verstappen’s thoughts as he insisted that Leclerc’s safety is the main priority, despite having enjoyed a “cracking” contest between him and Verstappen in the opening stint until the latter opted for the undercut strategy to gain track position.
Horner however admitted that “it’s a shame” that they and fans alike didn’t get the opportunity to see how the tyre strategies between Verstappen and Leclerc played out, as he predicted that their performance could of created “a great battle” to the checkered flag.
Once the race resumed at the end of Lap 20, Verstappen sprinted away unchallenged to claim his seventh win of the season by 10.587 seconds from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, which in turn opened a 63 point lead over Leclerc in this season’s F1 title race.
Verstappen though was also disappointed to not have the luxury of a second pit stop due to Hamilton’s pressure amidst their comfortable gap, with the long pit lane meaning an average 28s pit stop which would of cost Verstappen victory if he had stopped again.
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