It has been an astounding start to the 2021 F1 season, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen giving each other a very hard time on the track. It initially looked like this season could be the one for Verstappen.

However, the Dutchman has lacked the crucial tenths during the race that has been hindering him from competing against the 7-time world champion.

Hence, in order to capitalize on the lost pace, Verstappen revealed that he has had to push his car to the limits, hoping for a breakthrough.

While it did give him the race win in Imola, he had to return his race lead over the tantalizingly close race in Bahrain; Verstappen exceeded the track limits during the latter part of the race while getting past Hamilton.

And the stewards demanded that the Red Bull driver give up his position or receive a post-race time penalty. Consequently, Verstappen chose the wiser option and settled for P2.

We are not the same level as Mercedes: Verstappen

As reported by The Race, Verstappen opened up about why he has been exceeding the track limits too often over this season. “I don’t think there is anything to be done to be on top of it,” he said.

“In Bahrain, there were some misunderstandings between teams about what was allowed or what wasn’t. But you can also see it differently, I’m just trying to get everything out of the car when we are not on the same level as Mercedes.”

Hamilton is in the form of his life at the moment. And a record 8th world championship title awaits the Briton at the end of this season. Hence, at no point in this year is Hamilton going to give up.

Meanwhile, after a long wait, Verstappen has finally entered Hamilton’s league with a strong enough car to lead the pack. And that is going to tempt the 23-year-old into securing what could be his first F1 title.

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I don’t settle for second or third: Max Verstappen

The Dutchman revealed that his Red Bull possesses enough pace to keep up with a Mercedes ahead. But he clarified that his target is never about finishing on the podium but dominating the top step.

“I can also easily just not be in that topic of using track limits or whatever. But then I’m quite comfortably behind the Mercedes which I don’t like,” he said.

“I always try to get the best possible results out of it. I went twice outside of the track limits where it cost me basically a pole and a fastest lap but it’s also because I don’t settle for second or third.”

Only three races have gone by and the first major updates could be heading towards the teams’ garages soon. Hence, the tide could turn either way.

But the big question is, can Red Bull find that tinge of extra pace through the upcoming updates to turn up as the fastest car on the grid?

Read More: Spanish GP Predictions: Can Max Verstappen Break Lewis Hamilton’s 4-Race Winning Streak at Barcelona-Catalunya?