Max Verstappen praised Red Bull for “one of the biggest” performance turnarounds he has seen after winning the Qatar Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion finished eighth in the Qatar Sprint before the Milton Keynes-based team made crucial changes to their RB20 ahead of the second parc fermé being introduced.

Red Bull’s remarkable recovery was evident in qualifying, where Verstappen set the second fastest time.

Due to a one-place grid penalty, the Dutchman started from second place but took the lead at the first corner before putting in a controlled performance to secure victory.

His victory at the Lusail International Circuit was his ninth win of the season, but his first in dry conditions since the Spanish Grand Prix.

That has encouraged the 27-year-old, who is confident Red Bull can adopt some aspects of the RB20 for next season’s car.

“In the last races in the dry we weren’t particularly good at handling the tires,” said Verstappen. “And that’s why I was a little cautious (with what I said) after qualifying.

“It was nice. It’s still not where I would have liked in terms of the car’s behavior compared to, say, last year.

“But at least now we’re fighting to win races again. So if we can learn from this year’s car, of course use the positive aspects of last year and try to build a better car, then I’m sure we’ll be able to be very competitive again next year.

In the Qatar Sprint, Verstappen found himself in the unusual situation of going up against Haas’ Nico Hülkenberg, who comfortably kept the reigning world champion at bay.

Verstappen described the path from the fight against Hülkenberg to victory at the Qatar GP as Red Bull’s biggest turning point.

“It was probably one of the biggest (swings) where you’re fighting Haas in the sprint and fighting for the win in the main race,” Verstappen added.