F1 | Red Bull, Max Verstappen is third: “It wasn't what I expected”

The track limits once again penalize Max Verstappen: the Dutch driver had set an incredible time of 1.18.209s at the start of Q3, a time which however was canceled for having crossed the white line in turn 4, after having made a mistake which in any case does not gain him time on the time trial. Verstappen still manages to save what can be saved and place himself in third position, but the bitterness certainly remains if you think that that canceled time would have earned him pole position. The demons of Bahrain then return, where he lost the victory due to the limits of the track.

"Third place isn't what we expected, but it's not bad considering my deleted time at the start of Q3, which was faster despite the time lost with the mistake in Turn 4 – confirmed the Dutchman – we had balance problems in Q1 and Q2 due to the asphalt, everyone was looking for grip, but we managed to recover a little in Q3, so I don't think we're that far away.

"It was definitely one of those sessions where you can go from first to third place in the snap of your fingers – explained Max, who will start with the yellow compound at the start – you can do a perfect lap and then switch to a new set of tyres, and if you did a slightly different out-lap in tire preparation, with the little grip there is, you end up with a completely different car and it's difficult to predict how the tour will go. However, I believe that we are still competitive and things will go differently in the race. Our race simulations were good and, although it will be difficult to stay in the slipstream with the grip levels, we will focus on a good start and then start to apply pressure".