Verstappen wasn't worried after aborted run: 'Knew I had that lap'
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Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix in convincing fashion, despite having to abort his second run in qualifying. The pole-sitter, who could potentially clinch his third world title in Saturday's sprint race, talks about the moment and says he did not really fear losing his pole position.
Verstappen on aborted run in Q3
Verstappen explains what he tried to do differently in his second run in Q3. "I tried to carry a little bit more speed into the corner and it just gave up on me," explained the Red Bull Racing driver. Having to abort his final flying lap, Verstappen was already walking around the pit lane while his competitors were still busy improving their lap times.
However, the Dutchman was not really worried. "I knew I had that lap already. So I just tried to push a little bit more and try to give it everything I have. The track surface at the moment, it doesn't let you push a tiny bit more. As soon as you stress it a little bit too much, it really snaps and you can't correct it. So that's a bit of a shame. But nothing major," he continued.
As for the tuning of the car, where all Formula 1 teams had limited time after a single free practice session, Verstappen can be satisfied. "I think we did the best we could, really. I think it's never going to be perfect. But clearly, it was good enough. And I was quite happy with the car in qualifying. So, but it can also be that you, and we've had it in the past, make a few decisions where you think, ah, it's going to be okay, and then it doesn't work out," Verstappen continued.
On the fact that no changes can then be made to the car on a sprint weekend, he is critical. "Then your whole weekend is ruined because you can't touch the car. And I think that is a bit of a shame. And that's maybe something we have to look into for the future, if we want to continue doing these kinds of events. I understand, of course, for the show, it's good to mix it up a bit, but at least you should be able to correct your mistakes or potential mistakes," he explained.
Prospect does not change approach Verstappen
Verstappen needs to do little to secure his third F1 world title as early as Saturday's sprint race. Yet that prospect changes nothing about his approach: "Same as always. I mean, it doesn't really change anything. I just want to have a good weekend. And of course, I know in the back of my mind that's happening, but it doesn't add any extra pressure or whatever. I just want to enjoy the weekend and try to do the best I can," Verstappen said.