Max Verstappen: “I’m looking forward to the race”

We will be treated to a dream front row this Sunday in Abu Dhabi for the last Grand Prix of the year. The two men at the top of the championship did not leave each other's side throughout the qualifying session. But the crossover is ultimately won by Max Verstappen with an impressive time (1'22″109), ahead by a little more than 3 tenths Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman took advantage of the aspiration offered by Sergio Perez at the very start of Q3 to set the best time. The one who has just signed the 13th pole position of his career (the 10th of the year) did not hide his joy and also his impatience before the last race of the season.

“It’s an incredible feeling to have taken pole position. We improved the car throughout the qualifying session because since the start of the weekend, we were not consistent in our performance. It's never been easy in the last few races but I'm looking forward to Sunday's race. 

The pilot Red Bull will start on soft tyres, unlike the Briton who will be on medium tyres. A different strategy which will be important in the first rounds. 

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“We were good on both sets of tires. There is a little more degradation on the softs but what will be important tomorrow (this Sunday Editor's note) is to get a good start. Then we will have to concentrate on our own race, do our best and see where we finish.”

Since the start of the season, Jos Verstappen's son has repeated that he remains impervious to pressure. As we enter the home stretch of this championship full of twists and turns, there is no question of changing our habits. 

“I was relaxed before starting qualifying, I knew I would give the best possible performance. My team has been doing the best it can since the start of the year and once again it paid off this Saturday.” 

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will start at 14 p.m. and can be followed live text on AUTOhebdo.fr