Max Verstappen posted the second fastest time in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix and will not start from pole position for the first time at his home circuit. After the session, the Red Bull Racing driver complained about the lack of speed.
His teammate Sergio Perez qualified fifth and expects to fight for the podium in the race.
Max Verstappen (2nd): “During qualifying the car lacked speed. I did everything I could so I am happy to start from the front row.
Today it was difficult to fly because of the wind. The wind was gusty, so the car’s behaviour was different every lap and I couldn’t rely on my usual reference points. I’m happy with second place – after Friday’s problems it’s a good result.
“I will do my best in the race, but we have to be realistic about our chances of winning and take into account that I was three tenths behind in qualifying. I will just try to have a good race.”
Sergio Perez (5th): “I definitely have my confidence back in the car. The team is having a strong weekend because we were able to solve a lot of problems. This weekend all our assumptions were confirmed on track and it all seems very promising to me. It just remains to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, but I believe I can have a strong second half of the season.
A podium would be a fantastic result. The car definitely has the speed to compete. I’m looking forward to the start.
Blocking by Lewis? I think it was an unfortunate coincidence. Lewis did everything he could to clear the track for me. As I said, it was an unfortunate coincidence that I had to use an extra set of tyres. I think he will get a penalty for that.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
