Max Verstappen shows on the days of trouble that he really is a point champion: he has become an expert at doing damage control
The Austrian GP was much worse than Red Bull imagined at their home race. If the expectation was to win, Max Verstappen was swallowed by Charles Leclerc, who overtook the Dutchman three times on the way. The only reason it wasn't worse, with a double for the Italians, was because Carlos Sainz suffered an engine blowout. The difficulties, however, only show how Verstappen has become a mature driver who is ready to defend last year's title and win a few more.
Verstappen has become an expert at damage control, which has been on display over the past two weeks. In Austria, he was fast within his means and, with the fastest lap and victory in the sprint race, limited Leclerc's recovery to five points. In England, with a ruined floor, he still contested more than half the race and scored six points with seventh place. It is the trait of a champion. Pedro Henrique Marum analyzes.