During the Italian Grand Prix last Sunday, there was only one moment when Max Verstappen‘s victory seemed to be in jeopardy. According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the way Verstappen handled the duel with Lando Norris immediately after the start in Monza was impressive to witness.
What happened again? At the start of the race, Verstappen defended vigorously from pole against Norris, causing the latter to briefly end up off the track on the grass. Red Bull instructed Verstappen to give back the position to avoid a possible penalty. Instead of complaining or protesting, Verstappen immediately gave back the position. In the fourth lap, the four-time world champion from Red Bull took the lead and from that moment on, he convincingly drove to victory.
‘So Relaxed in the Car’
Ralf Schumacher, acting as an analyst for German Sky, was very impressed with the mature way the Dutchman handled the situation after the start.
Schumacher said, “It was perfectly fine for Max to hold the position after the start, but he also realized that it might have been a bit too much. Max pushed Norris aside a bit. Of course, the race direction and the FIA stewards see that too. And I think he handled it like a true world champion: no fuss and give back the position. Really impressive how he reacted. He is so relaxed in that car.”
