Verstappen, who was crowned a three-time world champion over the weekend, led the Qatar Grand Prix from lights-to-flag.
But the weekend's main talking point was Pirelli mandating 18-lap stints for tyres after tears were found in the sidewall from drivers running over kerbs.
While the kerbs were built to FIA standard, with their 50mm raised ‘pyramid’ outer edge, they were new for 2023 and the track was also resurfaced as part of investment in the Losail Circuit now that Qatar has commenced a 10-year hosting contract with F1.
The re-laid asphalt, which oozes oils to make the track surface slippery, led to drivers struggling to control the rear of the cars throughout practice, qualifying, the sprint race and GP.
Asked about the new surface, Red Bull driver Verstappen said: “I think it did grip up a little bit. Probably if we come back next year, it will be again a bit better but it depends on how much it will be driven.
“I think it's important that other kinds of categories come back or come here and race a little bit more because you have to take a bit that oil out of the Tarmac when it's new, and also a bit more like a wider grip line.
“At the moment, I think it's still too much like one line. But it seemed to really ramp up.”
Source: Autosport