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Max Verstappen explained his strategy to win the 2024 F1 Spanish GP despite Lando Norris' pace throughout the weekend. The Dutchman had started the race from P2 but was able to take an early lead.
As Verstappen and Norris battled for the lead after lights out, George Russell in the Mercedes was able to make the lunge and got ahead of the two. However, the Red Bull was able to attack back on the third lap and take the lead in the race. Max Verstappen stated that this was a major factor that helped him win.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen also said that he was able to make up the gap after his pit stop because of his early lead:
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"I think what made the race was the beginning. I took the lead and then had a buffer in that first stint and could eke out a gap."
"After that we had to drive defensively. Lando and McLaren were very quick. I think we did everything well. I am very happy to win here. It was about managing the tyres. They get very hot around here so you are sliding around quite a lot."
McLaren was the fastest car throughout the weekend. Lando Norris was able to take pole position from Max Verstappen who put in his final lap with a tow from his teammate Sergio Perez. Team principal Christian Horner mentioned that the gap between the two teams is minimal.
Christian Horner analyzes gap between Red Bull and McLaren after Max Verstappen win
Red Bull had the most dominant cars in the past two seasons, bagging both world championships consecutively. While they started off at the top, the Milton Keynes crew seems to be losing their dominance.
McLaren has developed excellently, with Ferrari and Mercedes closing up. This has given the opportunity for a close battle in the world championship. While Lando Norris proved that McLaren was fastest throughout the weekend, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner feels the gap is "tight."
"I think it's tight. It is small margins. Max and Lando were 18 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. In the end we got the job done and bagged maximum points," Sky Sports quoted Horner as saying.
"Since Miami, Lando has probably been the standout competitor and we are going to have to be at the top of our game to win."
Max Verstappen still leads the Drivers' World Championship with Red Bull at the top in the Constructors' Standings. However, Ferrari and McLaren are closing up from second and third place.
