Max Verstappen secured second place at the Canadian Grand Prix but was unable to mount a challenge against race winner George Russell. The Red Bull driver struggled throughout the race with excessive tyre wear that prevented him from competing for victory.
Despite what he described as a "satisfying" result, Verstappen acknowledged his difficulties during the race. The Dutchman found himself lacking the necessary pace to threaten Russell's lead, with tyre degradation proving to be the decisive factor.
The reigning world champion's struggles were evident across both stints, as he battled to manage his tyres whilst maintaining his position on track.
Speaking to Viaplay after the race, Verstappen explained his performance difficulties. "The two stints were not good; there was too much wear," he said.
Max Verstappen struggled with tyre wear throughout the race
Reuters
The Red Bull driver elaborated on his struggles: "We just don't have the speed. I slide too much when I want to participate, and then you get more tyre wear."
Verstappen acknowledged that despite coming in early for pit stops, maintaining second place was an achievement given the circumstances.
"Everything plays a role with the tyres and we're just not that good at it. I always try to fight back, but you can see that we're still lacking a bit," he admitted.
The Red Bull driver revealed that his race strategy became entirely defensive rather than offensive.
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"I couldn't attack at all. It was more about correcting, not forcing too much, and looking more in the rearview mirror," Verstappen explained.
His inability to challenge Russell became apparent after both drivers completed their first two pit stops. From that point onwards, it was clear that Verstappen would not be able to fight for the victory.
The combination of excessive sliding and tyre degradation forced Verstappen into a damage limitation mode, focusing on preserving his second-place position rather than mounting any serious attack on the leader.
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Max Verstappen could get close but couldn't mount a challenge on George Russell
Reuters
Following the race, Red Bull Racing filed a protest against Russell's victory. Both Verstappen and Russell were summoned to appear before the stewards at 5.50pm local time, along with their team representatives.
The protest raised the possibility that Verstappen could still be awarded the Grand Prix victory if Russell received a penalty. The nature of Red Bull's complaint was not disclosed, but it prompted an official review of the race result.
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The summons meant both drivers faced an anxious wait after the chequered flag, with the final classification hanging in the balance pending the stewards' decision.
The stewards ultimately rejected Red Bull Racing's protest following the hearing. After Verstappen, Russell and their team representatives attended the meeting, officials confirmed that the complaint had been dismissed.
Second place was still a "satisfying" finish for Max Verstappen
Reuters
The decision meant Russell retained his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, with Verstappen remaining in second place. The rejection of the protest ended any possibility of the race result being overturned in Verstappen's favour.
The outcome concluded what had begun as a calm race but ended with post-race controversy, leaving Verstappen to reflect on a frustrating afternoon where tyre degradation prevented him from challenging for victory in Montreal.
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