Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver representing Red Bull Racing, expressed concerns about the durability of his hard tires during his triumphant performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Verstappen described his experience behind the wheel as driving on ice. Despite this, he maintained control of the race, distancing himself from Lando Norris and the other leaders who were also using the hard compound. However, as the race neared its end, Norris began to rapidly close the gap between them. In the end, Verstappen managed to hold off Norris by just seven tenths of a second. Verstappen expressed doubts about his ability to finish the race with his worn tires after just 10 laps, as they had lost grip and were causing his car to slide unpredictably. He even recalled a scare at Turn 7, where he nearly hit the grandstand. Despite the challenging conditions, Verstappen pushed himself to the limit, using the remaining grip he had to secure the win. Norris, on the other hand, felt disappointed not to have one more lap to potentially overtake Verstappen and claim victory. Verstappen acknowledged Norris’s strong performance and admitted to being worried about his rival’s advances. However, he trusted in his experience and kept his composure, avoiding any mistakes that could cost him the race. Verstappen emphasized the importance of staying within his limits, even as his grip deteriorated. He recognized that pushing the car beyond its capabilities would only lead to more balance issues. Instead, Verstappen focused on driving smoothly and taking advantage of his car’s straight-line speed, aided by the rear wing setup. This strategy, in the end, allowed him to defend his position and secure a hard-fought victory.
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