Verstappen ups the pressure: 'We can't afford any more mistakes'

Looking back on his P3 finish in Portimao, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen knows that, although the result isn't ideal, at least the racing was hard. He also feels that the current balance of power between Mercedes and Red Bull will be even clearer at the Barcelona Grand Prix.

"All in all it was some nice battles today. It really felt like racing and not just saving the tyres. That was nice," Verstappen began his review of the Portuguese Grand Prix in the usual post-race press moment.

"In Barcelona we can really see how much progression has been made compared to the beginning of the season," the Dutchman knows. "It's just tough for us here, it was the same last season. Of course we need to improve during the season, we all know that. I am happy with second place in Portugal. It was a good race, with some nice battles."

Nothing is decided yet

For the battle in the championship the driver now only has one thing left; looking ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend. On this Verstappen says; "It's still a very long season. We can't afford to drop out or make stupid mistakes. We have to continue like this. This is what everyone wants to see. Also today I tried everything I could."