Max Verstappen was happy after today´s pole considering a very difficult start of the weekend reamins hopeful for tomorrow.
Photo: Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen will start the first grand Prix of the season from pole after setting today´s fastest time of 1.29.708. The Dutch secured his 21st pole position and will be starting next to teammate Checo Perez who was only +0.138 behind.
Verstappen explained during the official press conference that this is a positive result after struggling during the Free Practices to find the right balance of the car.
“I´m particularly happy because my whole weekend up to qualifying was very difficult I couldn´t really find the comfortable balance I had in testing I was struggling a lot to get the car together really.
“I went into Q1 and everything felt already a bit better but it was still not, let´s say, perfect. So, I´m very happy that in Q3 we could put these laps in.
“I still think it´s not perfect but in a better direction so for sure for the next race. We will have to analyse a bit why from the test to the race it´s getting so different for us also for me driving wise but nevertheless we´re sitting here with two cars.
So, coming of from last year I think this is a very strong start for us. So, I´m very happy with that.”
Asked about how much he had to change during Friday and today Verstappen explained that a lot had to be done.
“A lot. I went left and right and back to the middle and find a bit of a compromise so, that´s not bit unusual you make such big changes. As I said, luckily qualifying that was the best I had thorough the weekend so far.”
On how good the Q3 final lap was Verstappen seemed happy with the outcome.
“The laps were good. You come out of qualifying you always immediately analyse your lap right? Overall, pretty pleased.”
The reigning champion believes that Red Bull should be stronger in the long run, so remains hopeful that they will be able to show their strength tomorrow.
“That should normally be our stronger point than the one lap pace so hopefully we can show that again tomorrow.”
