Verstappen says there were no team orders: 'I overtook him myself'

Max Verstappen can look back with satisfaction on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Ferrari dropouts allowed the Dutchman to comfortably drive to victory. Yet Verstappen emphasises that his team must remain sharp.

"From the beginning we just had really good speed already. First of all, the start was already very good, but I couldn't really go anywhere. Then I tried to overtake Charles, but we lacked top speed to really attack. After that, I was able to watch my tyres very well. We could have pitted during the first virtual safety car, because in the end that did look good for Charles. But with the speed we had, I would have closed the gap. Of course, the question is whether you can overtake. The speed was really good today in the race though," Verstappen told Viaplay's camera.

Verstappen could eventually overtake teammate Sergio Perez for the leading position. According to the Dutchman, this time there were no team orders as happened during the Spanish Grand Prix. "No, they didn't say anything to me or tell him to let me pass. I just overtook him myself."

'We've had it too'

Due to the dropouts of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Verstappen and Perez grab a lot of points compared to their rivals. However, the Red Bull driver knows that it is important to stay sharp, as Red Bull suffered from reliability problems at the beginning of the season.

"We've had it before too, so we have to stay focused on making sure it doesn't happen again. Then you immediately see what a big gap it can become. Of course, that can also turn around quickly again. We just have to keep focusing that we finish every race without problems."