SPIELBERG, Austria -- Max Verstappen said he could see his tyres "opening up" in the closing stages of the Austrian Grand Prix as he clung on for his first win of the year.
Verstappen was propelled into the lead of the race as drama unfolded in front, with Valtteri Bottas retiring and Mercedes failing to pit Lewis Hamilton under the ensuing Virtual Safety Car period. With tyres an issue for all the lead cars, Verstappen said he was doing everything he could to hold on under late pressure from Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.
"It was amazing," Verstappen said.