Two-time Formula 1 Mika Hakkinen considered Max Verstappen’s charge to victory in Austria as “one of the very best in recent years”.
The Red Bull driver would fall as low as seventh on the opening lap after a terrible start before passing Valtteri Bottas and both Ferrari’s during a remarkable stint on the hard tyres to take the win.
His final move on Charles Leclerc was quite controversial, however, and would see a long stewards investigation before keeping the win but Hakkinen saw nothing wrong with it.
“It was a clear example of hard but fair overtaking,” the Finn wrote in his UniBet column.
“When the two cars got to the apex of the corner, Max had made the overtake. I understand why Leclerc trying to stay on the outside but you cannot use the run-off area to overtake. It was good racing, and Max really deserved this victory.
“Max’s win was enjoyable to watch, especially after the ‘anti-stall’ software caused him to make a bad start,” Hakkinen added.
“He said afterwards that he thought it was all over, but began a comeback drive that is one of the very best in recent years.”
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Verstappen’s performance even surprised Red Bull, with team boss Christian Horner unable to explain it.
“In the second half of the race, we were really on fire,” the Briton said. “The car was incredibly quick and the reality is that we don’t fully understand why.
“Obviously the updates we have been bringing to the car over the last couple of races have started to come together and work very well, but this race was won the hard way.
“We had to go and pass three of the four main opposition and Max did just that.”
