Despite his team's hesitancy, Max Verstappen insists that there was no risk in making a late pit stop in order to secure the fastest lap.

With a lead over Charles Leclerc of around 22s, and the Red Bull Ring drive-through time estimated at around 16-17, it is understandable that the team wasn't entirely convinced when the world champion suggested going for the extra point for the fastest lap.

"We don't feel the risk of boxing is worthwhile," he was told, however, moments later his crew was gathering in the pitlane.

Rejoining still leading, but the gap to Leclerc down to 3.9s, one can understand his team's lack of enthusiasm. However, speaking at race end, the Dutchman insisted that there was no risk.

"To me, not," he replied, when asked if he had taken an unnecessary risk, "but to the team, I think they were a little bit more nervous," he laughed.

"I saw the gap, and I was like we have to pit, I want to go for the fastest lap when you have the opportunity, and that's what we did at the end.

"I mean from the outside, maybe it looks like a big risk," he admitted. "But in the car for me, it didn't feel like a risk at all."

Asked if claiming the fastest lap meant more to him than the point that goes with it, he smiled and said: "Maybe.

"It's been a really incredible weekend, something I didn't expect," he added. "With the Sprint format, it's normally a bit more chaotic to get on top of everything. But I think we did everything well as a team as well, also today with the strategy, the pit stops, everything was smooth.

"Out there on the track, we just had a very quick car, and I felt comfortable in the car. And we could do everything we wanted like we planned it."

The win, his fifth in a row, gives him an 81 point lead over his teammate.

Claims that Sergio Perez is now calling for an end to Max Verstappen's domination of the sport are thought to be wide of the mark.

Check out our Sunday gallery from the Red Bull Ring here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Tardis40, 04/07/2023 17:16

"It's not like he needed the one point.

IMO better to just bring it in easily and save wear and tear on the machinery."

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2. Posted by Superbird70, 03/07/2023 13:45

"It made sense to do the lap. An extra point and a reaffirmation of the trust he has with his pit crew. Smart move, and he let Perez know who is number one."

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3. Posted by Pavlo, 03/07/2023 12:53

"From the team perspective, risk on the pit stop was also not huge, and with 70 points in the lead they can afford a bit. Also such a perfectly executed stop is a huge confidence boost for the crew. They can and they deliver.
Also from risk perspective very questionable what’s safer, one stop or driver trying to beat the time on the old tyres, which Max would have done anyway.
I personally was enjoying the lap. He could have just bring it home slowly, but we had a joy to see that car flying. "

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4. Posted by Defiant, 03/07/2023 11:39

"As much as Max is beginning to irritate me, he's right on the money here. I respect his confidence in chasing the extra point and the historical accolade. Keep pushing, that's what you're paid for.

As a side note, I'd have been overjoyed if it all went to pot and it backfired on him. Just for my own amusement that is."

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5. Posted by JamesD, 03/07/2023 10:13

"There is always risk in a pitstop - a sticky wheel nut, mechanic struggles to get a wheel on, pitstop takes that bit longer if the driver misses their marks etc.

It just confirmed for me who runs the Red Bull Formula 1 team."

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Verstappen defends fastest lap bid

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