An engine problem in Q3 prevented Max Verstappen from setting a lap time on his last attempt, leaving him on the fifth row of the starting grid for Sunday’s race at the Hungaroring .
His main rival in the title hunt, Charles Leclerc, was unable to take advantage of that and finished third, while George Russell took a surprising pole position for Mercedes.
Asked if it was a pleasant surprise to see Russell on pole, Verstappen replied: “Well, you have to do me a favor tomorrow! That’s the most important thing.”
“I was surprised to see him there,” he added. “They were close but I didn’t expect them to make that jump in Q3. It’s good news for me too.”
The Briton and Mercedes will be joined on the front row of the grid by Carlos Sainz, but the Ferrari drivers have already downplayed the possibility of using team orders to benefit the Monegasque driver’s title chances.
Verstappen had set the fastest time in Q2 before an engine problem put him out of contention in Q3, with the Dutchman “surprised” by his pace before the breakdown.
“All the boys and girls who are here and also in the factory analyzed everything, because we were not happy at all after Friday practice,” said the Red Bull man.
“We made some changes that seem positive, the car was much better today. We looked very competitive, even in Q2, every lap, even with a set of used tyres, we were always there, we were very quick.
“I was looking forward to getting to Q3 but the first lap didn’t go as planned. I knew the pace of the car was there but unfortunately we couldn’t take advantage of it,” he added.
The Hungaroring is one of the most difficult circuits to overtake, which makes Verstappen think of a tough race as he tries to recover positions and reach the top places.
“It’s going to be a bit difficult for me, but anything is possible,” said the Dutchman.
“Here it is difficult to overtake. But we will be patient and see what happens.”
Verstappen ‘s 63-point cushion over Leclerc means he will go into the summer break with a huge lead regardless of the outcome of this Sunday’s race, although the Dutchman admitted he is not thinking about it.
“I don’t even think about the points, I’m just disappointed that these things happen [the Q3 problem],” said the Red Bull man .
“There are always weekends when you’re not the fastest or whatever, it’s normal. But actually we had a very fast car today, so you have to maximize it and be up there, it was even worth being first, second or third, but not tenth,” he concluded.
