Verstappen: “Still learning” despite F1 podium finish

Max Verstappen managed to achieve second place in the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg Sunday afternoon, another stunner after setting the fastest time in Barcelona. The race in Spielberg showed a number of parallels with the race in Barcelona. A humble Verstappen was quoted after the race, saying, "I am still learning, there is room for improvement in qualification.” He added with a smile, “But racing is getting better and better." The key to Verstappen’s succes was a rare feat of tire-management. After an early pitstop in lap 15, he managed to drive 56 rounds, right until the finish, on soft tires. “At the end of the race, the tires were entirely gone, one hundred percent battered. Maybe they were in even worse state than in Barcelona,” Verstappen said. Despite starting in eighth, he climbed to a second place on the home circuit of Red Bull Racing and a second podium spot in his career. With this, he was the center of a joyous Red Bull Racing team, even as he beat Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo. “Everyone is happy, that’s good,” stated Verstappen with his typical sobriety. “I’m going to have a small celebration in the plane... By just looking back at everything and enjoy the afterglow,” he said, leaving the Red Bull party early.