Verstappen - No point "smashing things" in defeat

Max Verstappen has insisted there is "no sense to start smashing things" in defeat as he bids to wrestle the Formula 1 title from British rival Lewis Hamilton this season.

Although Red Bull appears to be the class of the field after years of Mercedes success, Verstappen lost out to Hamilton at the opening race in Bahrain.

The Dutch driver had to accept being second best despite previously dominating the weekend.

As to how he coped, Verstappen said: “I have always been super-calm. But what do you want to do? I think it makes no sense to start smashing things or throwing things first of all.

"If that is a bad result then I’m just looking forward to the next 22 races.

“Of course, when I crossed the line I was disappointed but I think I have learned over the years that there is nothing lost after the first race. The most important thing is that you score points.

“We had a very competitive package in general and we scored good points. Not first, but still second, so it is not the end of the world and that is how I will approach it for the rest of the season. There are 22 more races where we can do better.”

In the closing stages of the season-opener, Verstappen was forced to hand back the lead to Hamilton after passing the Mercedes driver whilst off the track.

The drivers will again discuss track limits with FIA race director Michael Masi ahead of the Imola race, with Verstappen keen to ensure the regulations remain consistent throughout the weekend.

Despite the season being just one race old, there is a rapidly growing expectation of a titanic title battle between the two Bahrain protagonists.

Asked if more of the same could be expected this weekend, Verstappen said: “Yeah. Hopefully, of course, the other way around in terms of the finishing order.

"It seems like we have a very competitive car. Of course, the conditions here are completely different. Looking at last year, we were I think quite competitive here and it is a great track to drive in general.

“I just look forward to this weekend. I hope that the car is again very competitive but I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t be, so I’m just excited.”

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