Max Verstappen believes his risky decision to stay on slick tires during late-race rain at the Australian Grand Prix was strategically sound, despite ultimately finishing second.

When rain hit in the final sector, both McLaren drivers went off track, with Oscar Piastri getting stuck on grass for nearly a lap. While Lando Norris pitted immediately, Verstappen opted to stay out on slicks, briefly leading for two laps before being forced to pit.

"The first two sectors were fine – it was just if I could survive the final sector," Verstappen explained. "If there wasn't much more rain coming, I thought it could work. Even if they caught me on intermediates, they'd have to box again for slicks if the rain stopped."

The strategy ultimately didn't affect his final position, as he would have finished second regardless of when he pitted. After switching to intermediates, Verstappen challenged Norris until the finish following a late safety car but couldn't find a way past.

Verstappen acknowledged McLaren's superior pace, particularly in the first stint where tire overheating issues prevented him from matching their speed. "We still have a lot of work to do to fight for a win," he admitted. "But I'm happy with second here – it's one place better than we should have been, and 18 more points than I had last year at this race."

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