Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has described the final 10 laps of the Canadian Grand Prix as the toughest laps of his life, while battling for fourth place with Nico Rosberg.
The Dutch driver came under intense pressure from Rosberg in the closing stages of the race but managed to hold onto the position by the chequered flag
This was helped by a spin on the penultimate lap for Rosberg at the final chicane while attempting to pass the Red Bull RB12.
“We did what we could today and that was a great job,” he said. “We wanted to finish on the podium in front of the Williams but soon realised we were suffering with a bit too much tyre degradation.
“I think a little bit of rain could have helped us today. At the beginning I saved my tyres and fuel as I knew I could not stay with the front two. When Daniel [Ricciardo] got close behind I then decided it was time to push.
“I am very satisfied with my performance but also with the new power unit, you could see it was hard for the Mercedes to try and pass on the long straight so we are making good progress. The last ten laps I really enjoyed, I would actually say they were the hardest ten laps of my life.
“I was in fourth for a very long time so didn’t want to give up that position. It was a very hard battle at the end of the race, his [Rosberg] pace was very strong but we managed to keep ahead and then the last lap was pretty spectacular.
“After Monaco it’s nice to leave this race with a big smile on my face. Now looking ahead to Baku it’s a new experience for everyone so we have to wait and see how the grip levels are but today was definitely positive for us.”
