Red Bull’s Max Verstappen expressed satisfaction at recovering from previous Belgian Grand Prix setbacks to deliver a podium at his ‘home’ event.
Verstappen started only seventh on the grid in the wake of Red Bull light-fuelling both cars in Q3 in anticipation of rain intensifying, only for matters to improve, denying Verstappen the optimum track conditions.
Verstappen avoided the melee at the start to move into fifth, and swiftly picked off both Force India drivers to claim third spot, a position he retained through to the chequered flag.
The podium came after two failures to score in his previous Belgian Grand Prix starts with Red Bull, having been caught up in a first-lap collision in 2016 prior to an engine problem last season.
“After a bit of bad luck here in Spa in the past I’m very pleased to finally be coming away with a podium,” said Verstappen.
“There was a bit of first lap chaos to contend with but we made it through cleanly and managed to settle into a good pace right away.
“From there on I managed to pass [Romain] Grosjean up the hill and concentrate on chasing the Force Indias. I knew I would have to be patient and in the end I got close enough.
“I was surprised by their pace, I thought with DRS I would be able to get by easily but they were very strong. This made it a bit more enjoyable to try and pass.
“After this little battle it was quite a lonely race, it was good to push the car and learn from it but there wasn’t a lot more action for me.
“Seb [Vettel] and Lewis [Hamilton] were once again too quick for us but in terms of balance the car felt really good.
“It is always good to be on the podium but being on it here in Spa with so many Dutch fans is really special. On the last lap I was able to take in the orange crowd and enjoy it.”
Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo retired after spending much of the race at the back following his rear wing damage in the first-lap pile-up.
