Why did Verstappen suddenly improve towards the end in China?

Max Verstappen seems to have driven two different Grands Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. For a long time on the mediums, the Dutchman was in P6, but afterwards, as the race went on, he found good pace on the hard tyres.

Verstappen could not exactly declare what caused that improvement during his second stint in the paddock in China. "That's a good question," he began. "That's a few things that might be the case, but I'd like to first look at the team into that, before we draw any conclusions."

As the Grand Prix went on, there is of course less fuel in the car. However, the Dutchman does not suspect that the heavy fuel load caused the issue either early on, after which he managed match the two McLarens' pace. "I honestly don't think it's related to fuel. I might be wrong, but I don't think so."

He also added that the handling of the car also did not change as the race progressed in Shanghai. "No, it's the same. The handling is exactly the same. I just had more tyre. Because before, nothing was responding, and at the end, at least there was more response. So, yes, it's something that we need to understand," he concluded about the matter.

After two rounds, Verstappen is second place in the drivers' standings, after a third place finish in the Sprint and crossing the finish line in fourth position on Sunday. He has earned 36 points so far, and is eight points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings.

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