Verstappen: "I tried everything I could on those hard tyres to stay alive"

Max Verstappen was looking likely to convert his first Formula 1 pole position into a race win, but a fantastic strategic move from the Mercedes pit crew won Lewis Hamilton the race. Verstappen, who was on old hard tyres, couldn't fight Hamilton when the world championship leader caught up. 

"We were just not fast enough, but I tried everything I could on those hard tyres to stay alive. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, but to finish second with the fastest lap, it was a good weekend overall," Verstappen said. 

"Of course, congratulations to Lewis for the win and he was pushing me very hard. I was just lacking a bit of grip I guess. We tried the one-stop, and they had the opportunity to do two, and that worked out well." 

Hamilton now has a 62 point lead in the Formula 1 world championship as the sport prepares for its summer break. Verstappen has managed to close the gap to Bottas as he looks to fight Hamilton for the title.