F1: Relieved Verstappen admits Sainz Jr. had a faster car at end

A relieved Max Verstappen admitted he had struggled for pace in his Red Bull on Sunday after he resisted late pressure from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to win the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Dutchman, who started his 150th F1 race from pole position, had to defend vigilantly in his Red Bull against the Ferrari for 15 laps after a late Safety Car allowed the Spaniard to fit fresh medium compound tires.

“That Safety Car didn’t help me,” said Verstappen. “He had fresh tires and those last 15 laps were flat out and when it is like that you can’t make a mistake.

“I would have preferred to have been attacking at the end, instead of defending, but luckily for us, it all worked out, and it was very exciting.”

He admitted that he never felt comfortable in the race.

“It was generally a very tough race and I really wanted more pace from the car. The Ferrari was very strong, and I really had to match him.

“He had more pace than me. Absolutely, today. But the two teams are so closely matched.”