Max Verstappen: “The other teams are catching up, it’s much harder”

Max Verstappen once again demonstrated his talent in qualifying, securing second place after a weekend more difficult than usual at the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite the challenges faced, the Dutch champion remains confident and determined to give his all in Sunday’s race.

After the qualifying sessions, the Red Bull driver admitted that everything came together better during the qualifications. “Throughout the weekend, we tried to find a coherent balance because it was very difficult in all the practice sessions. So, I was quite happy during the qualifications,” he explained. In Q3, an opportune draft from his teammate Sergio Pérez allowed him to maximize his performance, even though it wasn’t enough to secure the pole position.

« It was just by chance. I didn’t even know where Checo was on the lap at first and then they told me where he was, so I tried to stay behind him », explained Verstappen, referring to the slipstream.

The cooler temperature in the afternoon also played a role. « With the temperature, I think it was a bit more fun in qualifying. But even during qualifying, the wind started to pick up a bit, which may have made things a little more difficult for us in Q3. »

When asked if he preferred the challenges posed by increased competition or the easier pole positions of the past, Verstappen replied that they are never really easy, the poles, because you are always competing with yourself. But, of course, now it’s with more teams, and I think it’s good for Formula 1 in general.

Max Verstappen optimistic for Sunday in Spain.

Max Verstappen also reflected on his last attempt in Q3. « The lap itself was good. I had a slipstream all the way to turn 1. In general, the entire qualifying session was much better for me than the practices, he said. However, he acknowledged that certain aspects of the car could be optimized for qualifying. « Perhaps a bit too much drag for qualifying, in hindsight. But it’s always very easy to say that afterwards.

For tomorrow’s race, the Dutchman remains confident despite starting in second position. “I always want to start in first place. It’s a little easier to defend that way. Our top speeds are all quite similar and we don’t have DRS in turn 1 at the start. So, it will all depend on the quality of your start,” he explained. He acknowledges that the race will be long and full of uncertainties, but he is ready to take on the challenge.

He finally compared this weekend to the three previous ones, noting an improvement but acknowledging the need for even more progress. “I think it was alright, but clearly not good enough. The other teams are catching up. We’ve already seen it in the last races, so it’s definitely much more difficult. We need to do everything perfectly to be in the lead. We just need to bring more performance to the car.”