Max Verstappen joked that he “did that 360 for the crowd” in the wake of his victory at an enthralling German Grand Prix.
Verstappen claimed victory in a dramatic race in wet/dry conditions at Hockenheim and he was one of several drivers to suffer a scare during the grand prix.
Having switched from Intermediates to Mediums, Verstappen spun a full 360 degrees through Turn 14 but was able to continue without damage or losing position.
At that stage of the race, Verstappen had slipped back from win contention but crashes for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, allied to the timing of his pit stop soon after, aided his rise to the lead.
From there he was only briefly headed as he went on to secure victory.
“It was very tricky out there, we had to stay very focused, we couldn't afford to make any mistakes,” said Verstappen.
“Now after the race, I think I can say that I did that 360 for the crowd, but it was tricky out there, the Medium tyres with very low grip.
“The information between myself and the team was crucial today, and I think we made the right calls. That gave us the victory.
“Also once I was ahead of the Mercedes cars, you could really see the pace we had because I was stuck in the dirty air in the first few laps behind Valtteri [Bottas].
“Once you’re ahead, you can basically save your tyres a bit more and everything was basically a bit more under control. But yeah, good victory.”
The win was Verstappen’s first in wet conditions in Formula 1, having previously impressed during prior rain-affected grand prix.
“[I had] a lot of practice I think from when I was young in the wet, working many hours together with my dad, who I think was also pretty decent in the wet,” he said.
“He also gave me the right tips, and not only just driving in the wet, but making decisions as well while driving, paying attention to what’s happening around you, and of course experience in life, in Formula 1.
“I think if you do over 90 races, you have experienced a lot already, and based on that of course you also can make better decisions I think.”
