Verstappen relieved not to make a mistake in Imola victory

Max Verstappen admits that it was tough to judge the conditions whilst leading the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

With the track being damp at the start of the race following earlier heavy rainfall, all drivers started on Intermediate tyres. However, as the circuit dried during the event, the timing of when to switch to slick tyres was crucial.

Verstappen seemed to get this right, and managed to build a gap at the front on his way to his second victory of the season, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez making it a 1-2 result.

Verstappen thrilled with Red Bull 1-2

"It's always tough to achieve something like that, but already yesterday and the day before, we were on it, and I think it was looking like a strong weekend," Verstappen said after the race.

"Today, you never know with the weather how competitive you're going to be. But I think as a team we did everything well, and I think this 1-2 is very deserved."

Verstappen was able to manage the changing conditions, and was relieved to do this without making a mistake.

"The start of course was very important, but also afterwards, judging the conditions and when to swap to the slick tyres, and on the outlap with the slick tyres, [managing] not to make mistakes," he explained.

"Because, in the lead, you have to always dictate the pace and it's always a bit more difficult initially, but yeah, everything was well managed."