Verstappen is content with his 2nd place at Zandvoort: “When you are more than three tenths behind, you have to be realistic”

After three years of invincibility on his land, Max Verstappen was finally defeated. Not (yet) in the Grand Prix, but in qualifying: after having signed the last three pole positions for the Dutch Grand Prix, the three since the return of Zandvoort to the calendar in 2021, the Dutchman will have to be content with 2nd place on the grid, Sunday.

Defeated by an impressive Lando Norris, the triple world champion nevertheless struggled with his Red Bull, sometimes understeering, sometimes oversteering. Neck and neck with the Briton at the end of the 2nd sector, a slide in turns 11 and 12 caused him to lose time and his hopes of pole position at home. At the microphone of Jolyon Palmer at the end of qualifying, however, Max Verstappen wanted to be realistic and considered himself happy to have obtained a first row in front of his audience, especially after the difficulties encountered the day before during Free Practice.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2nd in qualifying at Zandvoort : “During all of qualifying, I think we lacked pace. I did the best I could, but I'm still very happy to be on the front line. It was very difficult with the wind, there were gusts coming and every lap the feeling was different, so you can't set a reference. I'm happy with 2nd place. After the day [on Friday], it's a good result. »

(On the balance of the Red Bull with understeer / oversteer) “That’s how it is right now. Not the easiest to ride, but the rest of the ride was pretty solid. It was only in turns 11-12 where it was difficult. I hope the car will be good for the race tomorrow. (…) We will give everything, but when you are more than three tenths behind in qualifying, I think you have to be realistic. We will try to produce a good race tomorrow. »

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