During the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen implemented a unique tactic. He backed off through the final two corners at the Red Bull Ring on a number of occasions. Now, the same tactic has been highlighted by his team as the reason behind of his victory.

The Dutchman faced rear tire blistering after an early change to softs. Fortunately, he was able to hold on for a win ahead of Ferrari duo Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

After the race, Red Bull boss Christian Horner revealed that Verstappen changed his approach to the sequence of corners.

“It [the blistering] wasn’t predicted coming into the race, but it is hot today and the load in these last two right corners, they are massive the amount of energy these tyres have to take up around there,” Horner said.

“So that is where Max was really cute today. He backed off through those right handers and made his time in the other parts of the circuit. A really, really mature drive.”

According to Horner, Verstappen did a good job in ensuring that the tyres were being looked after. In fact, the left rear tyre that was initially critical, was operating at a cooler temperature than the right.

“Unbelievable,” added Horner. “He was keeping the rear left cooler than the rear right, and the rear left here is the one that takes all the load.

“He was constantly asking for information and managing those tyres and that is why they didn’t blister up. A very, very mature drive for him.”

Meanwhile, teammate Daniel Ricciardo had to pit from second place when his left rear tyre blistered in the middle of the race.

Horner also praised his team after they pulled off a high-pressure double stacked stop. This took place during the virtual safety car period when Valtteri Bottas retired.

In the end, their efforts were rewarded when Verstappen took the chequered flag ahead of both Ferraris.