Max Verstappen believes the podium result at the Canadian Grand Prix was a positive step for the team on a circuit which isn't fully suited to the characteristics of the Red Bull.
Prior to the start of qualifying it was the Dutchman who had topped all three practice sessions, giving a strong indication the RB14 was performing well around the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit despite the long straights, which often leave Red Bull at a deficit in terms of straight-line speed.
"The whole weekend we were very competitive and in the race, with the tyres we had, I think we maximised our strategy and we were very happy with the result," said Verstappen.
"Every single weekend you go in you try to win and here practice has been good, Qualifying has been positive and the race went well too. Of course, we’re very pleased with that and to come away with a podium and challenging for second at the end of the race, at this track, which is not ideal for us, is really positive.
Verstappen admitted there was some management of fuel and tyres throughout the race which he felt was boring, but still had to remain fully focused on the task of keeping the car away from the walls.
Once the management phase was over, he was able to pull away from Lewis Hamilton despite the challenge and pressure the other Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas for second place towards the end of the 70 laps.
The 20-year old is eager to carry on this form into the coming races but is cautious whether Red Bull can compete for the race win at every circuit, stating it depends how long the straights are due to the lack of outright power against their rivals Ferrari and Mercedes.
"In this kind of race you have to manage a lot, fuel first of all, then also the tyres, you have the pressure from behind, you don’t want to let them into your DRS but one point I can see that I was pulling away quite comfortably so then I was challenging Valtteri at the end," he added.
"So the race was in one way maybe a little bit boring but on the other hand, you needed full focus on doing a good job. Seb was very fast today and I could quickly feel that we were just lacking top speed.
"The tyres were holding on really well at the end when I was challenging Valtteri because he was fuel saving which shows our car was working well and for sure we have a very competitive car at the moment.
"I don’t think we can challenge for victories on every track, it just depends on how long the straights are but for now, I am looking forward to the upcoming races."
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