Red Bull star and reigning Driver Champion Max Verstappen secured P3 on the grid in Qualifying for the 2025 F1 Australian GP.
The position came as a bit of a surprise after Red Bull struggled for pace at the start of the weekend.
Verstappen even took provisional Pole in Q3 but ultimately had to concede to the rapid McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri.
The Red Bull Driver finished the session in P3, almost 4-tenths adrift from pole-sitter Norris.
Verstappen on surprising qualifying result
During the press conference following qualifying for the F1’s 2025 Australian GP, Red Bull number 1, Verstappen, was ‘happy to be here’ after a ‘tough’ start to the weekend.
“We had a bit of a tough start. This has never really been a good track to us, I think, as well.
“It took a bit of time to understand how we can improve the situation. We did that today.
“Honestly, I’m quite surprised to be sitting here after yesterday.
“I felt confident. I felt one with the car. Of course, clearly, we’re still lacking a bit of pace.
“Overall, I’m happy with the laps. I tried to really extract everything. Tyres are quite sensitive around here as well, with all these high-speed corners.
“I’m happy to be here.”
Red Bull makes overnight improvements
Verstappen notes that his Red Bull ‘came alive’ after his team worked on the balance of the car, which helped the Red Bull Driver to push.
While Red Bull was quicker, the 27-year-old reckons that Red Bull is still not fast enough to challenge McLaren for the top position.
Though the Dutchman noted it was vital for the team to qualify ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes.
“Just trying to fine-tune balance. The car just came alive a little bit more.
“In general, it was quite okay to drive, but just too slow. Today, it was a little bit faster.
“Clearly, it’s still not fast enough.
“Still, to be ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes, I think it’s good for us.”
Expectations ahead of F1’s 2025 Australian GP
Verstappen expressed that he would not expect ‘any kind of miracles’ when giving his outlook for F1’s 2025 Australian GP.
“I don’t expect any kind of miracles about it. I think it’s okay, but it’s not on the same level.
“I’ll just do my best to see what happens tomorrow.”
