Max Verstappen will lead the chase of Mercedes in the British GP after logging his best qualifying performance since moving to Red Bull in May.
The Dutchman will start third, immediately ahead of teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
“I think in general I have been a bit unlucky the last two qualifyings,” said Verstappen. “But in the end the race pace was always very promising, and it all went well, so I wasn’t too worried. Today I think was especially a very good qualifying, I really enjoyed it. The car was performing as it should be. I think we were very strong compared to other competitors behind us, so I can be very happy with P3, because those guys [Mercedes] in qualifying seemed like they had a turbo button or something, but I think P3 was definitely the best possible result for us today.”
Verstappen said third place is realistic target for Sunday.
“I think if I can keep position I will be very happy, because I think Mercedes is a bit too strong for us – but we’ll try to keep up. The long run was good so hopefully we can do the same or even better tomorrow in the race, and score some good points for the team and catch up with Ferrari in the championship.”
This is the first time that Verstappen has outqualified Ricciardo, and the first time that Ricciardo has been outqualified by a teammate all year.
“It’s good to be in front,” said Verstappen. “I think every teammate wants that but in terms of mental boost I don’t see the mental side in it, I just try to do my best and that’s it. Then we go to the race and we try to score a lot of points and try to get on the podium.”
