Max Verstappen: We will pressure Ferrari in the race

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen set second and third times in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing spoke about the problems that prevented pole position, but both drivers noted that the speed of the car means you can count on winning the race.

Sergio Perez (2nd): “Without the problems we would be much closer to Ferrari. I don’t know if we would have had enough speed to take pole position, because Ferrari made a good step forward in qualifying.

I lost a few tenths, but clearly not three tenths, which I didn’t have before pole position. The decisive attempt was far from perfect as I went out on the track alone and couldn’t use the slipstream. However, the second position is a good result. We can fight tomorrow.

In Baku, one of those circuits where it’s important to finish. If you manage to avoid mistakes and finish, this automatically leads to a good position.

Max Verstappen (3rd): “Last year I also started third, and then the race ended in a bad way, so this isn’t the luckiest starting position for me! To be honest, if the car has speed over a long distance, it doesn’t really matter which position you start from, if you’re in the front rows.

In a fast lap we again lacked pace. I was not satisfied with the balance of the car, which is very important on city roads to attack at the limit. Without optimal balance you will not achieve stable cornering and confidence in the car, which is very important. Today I missed it but this problem has been bothering me all weekend.

It’s a shame, but tomorrow at the race distance the car will behave more stable and we can attack. Hopefully tomorrow we will work as a team and put pressure on Ferrari and take advantage of it.”