Verstappen: “Quite happy to find myself on the front row”

Max Verstappen has further exploited the full potential of its Red Bull during qualifying for the German GP at Hockenheim. The Dutchman took the first row by ahead of Valtteri Bottas of a hundredth. He will thus jump between the two Mercedes.

“I started quite calmly in Q1. We were quite careful at the beginning, recognized the Dutchman. In Q3, I found myself with a slight lack of grip but I'm still quite happy to have finished 2nd and to move up to the front row. Anything can happen tomorrow. »

“The gap could have been smaller. I'm not saying that we would have taken pole, but I went a little wide at turn 8, the car rear-ended and I lost a little time in the process. It’s still a good result,” added the Red Bull driver.

“In Q1, we could see that Ferrari was well ahead. You know that in Q3, the gap is generally bigger so we weren't too mortified to see them give up. And anyway, we are really focused on our work. I expect them to get back into the race because the track suits them well. They are lightning fast in a straight line. »

Although the two Ferraris remained in the garage following engine problems, Red Bull was able to correct the turbo response time problems on the RB15.

“I lost a bit of engine power during a flying lap in Q2 so I came into the pits for the team to check the condition of the car. I had to change the tires and so I came out with a worn out set, hence my slow pace on the opening lap. No concerns to report in Q3 », he explained.