Max Verstappen adds another victory to his collection, even when the RB20 was not the fastest car. McLaren confirmed the elite performance of the MCL38, but a flawless Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull. Tyre management, strategy, and pit-stops all made the difference.
At the end of the race, Verstappen was more satisfied than usual – aware that he won without the fastest car in Spain.
VERSTAPPEN: “WE NO LONGER HAVE THE SUPERIORITY WE HAD BEFORE, BUT WE ARE STRONG IN RACE EXECUTION ”
It is now a fact that Red Bull has lost its clear superiority. Between Imola, Monaco, Canada and Barcelona, the RB20 is no longer clear fastest. Not only that, but the car produced in Milton Keynes has rarely been the fastest. It is often McLaren with the fastest car in recent events, as Verstappen explained post-race:
“McLaren has the best package on the various types of circuits. But I expected to have a little more of an advantage here,” confessed the Dutchman.
Many expected the Barcelona circuit to suit the RB20. However, there were no signs of the dominant Red Bull returning. Although Verstappen’s gap to Pole Position was just 0.02, the actual difference between Red Bull and McLaren was around two-tenths.
On Sunday, it was the race start – alongside questionable McLaren strategy – gave Verstappen the opportunity. In usual fashion, he grasped the chance with both hands.
“The key to the race was overtaking Lando at the start, and then the one on George in the early stages of the race. It helped me create a gap to the others,” Verstappen analysed post-race.
In the end, the Dutchman’s advantage at the chequered flag can be attributed to his strong start. Very efficient execution from Red Bull also made the difference:
“We are not the fastest, but we don’t make mistakes during the race. We are still aggressive in these decisions, but we definitely need to increase the performance of the car.”
Verstappen was satisfied with his race, but does not hide the fact Red Bull’s previous advantage is gone. Rivals, and especially McLaren, have closed the gap.
Only a perfectly executed race allowed the reigning Champion to further extend his Championship lead at the Spanish GP.
