Max Verstappen justified Valtteri Bottas’ questionable decision on the first lap of the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend.
Bottas started on pole in Mexico City along with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in the second place and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen third on the grid.
Right before Turn 1, Max Verstappen used Bottas’ slipstream to overtake the Finn, who spun on the first bend after being clipped from behind by Daniel Ricciardo.
Bottas was the 15th to cross the finish line while Verstappen was the first. Max Verstappen won the Grand Prix and extended his championship lead. Bottas is under heavy criticism from Hamilton and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff for letting the lead position slip away.
However, Max Verstappen defended Bottas’ decision to allow Hamilton, who had also got past Bottas on the first turn, to fight the battle for Mercedes. He told Sky Sports that it was the obvious choice since he could not have done any more than what Lewis could have done. Bottas did not want to risk the touch with Lewis so it is only natural that the one in the middle backs out.
Max Verstappen, aged 23, added that he does not know if it was the correct choice given Hamilton and Wolff’s criticism of Bottas. He praised Valtteri saying that he is a nice guy and has been a wonderful team player.
Since Lewis had overtaken Valtteri, he was not going to fight against Lewis. He did what most would have done in the situation and backed out.
Max Verstappen Has Extended His Lead Over Lewis
Max Verstappen’s latest victory helped him extend his title lead over Hamilton to 19 points with only four races left this season.
The Dutch racer has his eyes set on his first Formula 1 title while reigning champion Hamilton is hoping to go clear of joint-record holder Michael Schumacher with an eighth title.
Brazilian Grand Prix is next on the list. It is to be held on Sunday 14 November.
