Max Verstappen has revealed how Mick Schumacher helped him win the US GP, saying the Haas driver was at the right place at the right time.
Lewis Hamilton was charging Verstappen on the last few laps, and was in position to overtake him. That was when the Red Bull driver ran into Schumacher, who presented him with a final hurdle to pass.
The Dutchman was calling for the Haas driver to get out of his way. Schumacher initially didn’t, but when he did, Verstappen got an opportunity to use DRS. This was crucial to him winning the race, given Hamilton was in DRS range himself.
Verstappen revealed how Schumacher helped him win the US GP, and said that his team responded very well to take P1.
“The whole race the pressure was on because of not knowing how quick Lewis was going to get you,” he said, as quoted by GP Fans.
“We went very aggressive on the first stop after losing the lead at the start. Then again during the middle stint, Lewis was within that undercut range so we had to respond. We had to go early again. And the last stint was very long, in this heat especially.
“We managed to hang on at the end, with just enough in the tyres to push. With two laps, I had the Haas in front of me and going into the last sector he was in front, and especially with worn tyres, it’s not easy to follow.
“Luckily he stayed in front so he gave me that DRS, so whatever I lost (on the penultimate lap), I think it stabilised because of that DRS.
“The last lap was all about trying to have a good first sector and beginning of the second sector. It wasn’t easy because the tyres were really finished. But it’s incredible to win here.”
Escape
Verstappen also addressed the feeling of escaping getting passed, and said that he found it very exciting.
“I’ve been in this position before where you are in the lead with the older tyres or the other way around where you are hunting.
“It wasn’t easy but I think at the end of the day that made it really exciting.”
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