Max Verstappen: ‘Thank you to Red Bull for this car’ as he nabs second at British GP

'The car was doing what it should and we were close to the Mercedes' said a pleased Max Verstappen of Red Bull on Sunday after he clinched third at the British Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium after the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday. Mark Thompson / Getty Images / July 10, 2016

Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was so impressed by the home fans at Sunday's British Grand Prix that he felt he should change his passport.

The 18-year-old Red Bull driver finished second, originally behind the two Mercedes of victorious defending three-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, but gaining a place after championship leader Rosberg was assessed a 10-second penalty for illegal communications.

After experiencing the enthusiasm of the 130,000 crowd during the post-race podium ceremonies, he said: “That was just amazing!

“They are cheering for a non-British driver – I think maybe I need to change my passport.”

The record-breaking Verstappen's rapid progress from rookie to front-runner has made him the most successful Formula One driver in Dutch motor racing history, surpassing the achievements of his father Jos.

The young Verstappen won on his debut with the Red Bull team, after joining from Toro Rosso, at the Spanish Grand Prix to become the sport’s youngest race winner.

On Sunday, in changing and treacherous conditions, he fought for second place with championship leader Rosberg before settling for third.

“It was very exciting, but very tricky in the beginning,” said Verstappen. “I think I stopped one lap too late.

“I did my own race, but unfortunately Nico got past me – but thank-you to Red Bull for this car.

“In the beginning, it was very difficult to see where I was going, but even on slick tyres, the car was doing what it should and we were close to the Mercedes.”

His passing move on Rosberg, round the outside at Becketts, was a stunning example of his talent and courage and a candidate for move of the season.

“I felt the car had a lot of grip there, around the outside, so you can make that move and I think it worked well,” he said.

Later in the race, he was told that Rosberg, who had regained second place, had a gearbox problem.

“I tried to close the gap and get past, but once you get into dirty air it’s difficult to get even closer,” he said.

“I have to say a thank-you to the team for giving me such a great car for the weekend.”

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