P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen finished fifth in the Belgian Grand Prix – the third time in four races he has finished in the position.
Max Verstappen expressed relief after the Belgian Grand Prix, where he managed to extend his championship lead despite starting 11th due to a grid penalty. Verstappen used strategy to undercut Lando Norris and finish fifth, gaining crucial points. He acknowledged the challenging race, citing traffic and a poor balance in the car but praised the team for maximizing performance. Verstappen highlighted the importance of gaining points over losing them, especially with Norris’s strong pace. Despite a four-race victory drought, he remains optimistic about future races and aims for smoother weekends without penalties like at Zandvoort.
