Newey surprised: 'Didn't expect to win by this margin'

"We really weren't [expcting to win by that margin]," Newey told Sky Sports just after the podium ceremony. Saturday was disappointing, but a day later more than made up for everything in the Red Bull garage. "We struggled in qualifying and didn't quite understand and get the tyres right in Q3, so being second row you are never too sure."

Everything worked out well, however, and that resulted in a lead over Hamilton of more than 16 seconds in the end. "Managed to get a good start and managed to get the braking just right and from there it's from Austin had better deg and just tend the stint."

With four Grands Prix to go (in Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi), the difference between Verstappen and his British rival is 19 points. Among the constructors, the difference between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes is just one point in favour of the Germans.