‘I had to laugh’ Max Verstappen reveals comical reaction to Oscar Piastri overtake
Max Verstappen’s incredible overtaking maneuver at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola has been the talk of the town, with many hailing it as one of the greatest overtakes in recent Formula 1 history. The Dutchman, who started in second place, had a poor launch off the line, dropping him to third as he approached the first turn. However, Verstappen’s lightning-quick reflexes and exceptional driving skills allowed him to pull off a phenomenal piece of late braking, sweeping around the outside of George Russell and Oscar Piastri to take the lead of the race.
The overtake was a staggering display of Verstappen’s driving prowess, and it effectively won him a fourth consecutive win in Imola. When asked if he had re-watched the overtake, Verstappen revealed that he had indeed done so, but only once he returned home on Sunday. “But of course, I already knew myself how it all felt,” he said with a smile. “It’s nice to look back and see how close it all was.”
The overtake also triggered a comical reaction from Verstappen, who couldn’t quite believe what he had just pulled off. “I had to laugh for a moment,” he said, before revealing that it was his reaction in the actual moment itself, not just when watching it back on TV. “No, not behind the television, but I actually had to laugh for a moment in Turn 3. I thought, ‘that one was good!'”
Since the Imola Grand Prix, Piastri has faced criticism for over-defending, which allowed Verstappen to seize the opportunity and complete the overtake. However, Verstappen believes that Piastri was not focused on him, but rather on Russell, who was directly behind him. “I think if you watch it back, you can see that he’s very concerned with George, because he was actually second,” Verstappen explained. “And I get it. I took that momentum of course. Then you can’t react anymore either, because I already have some momentum.”
Verstappen’s comments offer a fascinating insight into the mindset of a Formula 1 driver, particularly when it comes to high-pressure situations like overtaking maneuvers. The Dutchman’s ability to stay focused and adapt to changing circumstances on the track is a key factor in his success, and it’s clear that he has a deep understanding of the intricacies of racing.
As the Formula 1 season continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Verstappen and his rivals respond to the challenges that lie ahead. One thing is certain, however: Verstappen’s incredible overtaking maneuver in Imola will be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.
