The Dutch Red Bull driver came into qualifying for the Bahrain GP having led in both FP2 and FP3 and, despite being quickest in Q2, lost pole to Charles Leclerc by 0.123s.
The reigning Formula 1 world champion admitted that the balance of his RB18 was not the best in Q3, but hinted that it could be because Red Bull concentrated on a stronger set-up for the race and not thinking about qualifying.
Verstappen was also unhappy on team radio as he felt it was a mistake to be asked to do a slower preparation lap on his first Q3 attempt.
“I think it was a bit unpredictable, Q2 was pretty good, but in Q3 it was a bit difficult to find the balance, but I think it was okay,” said the Dutchman.
“We also have a good car and overall that’s the most important thing, it’s been a good day. It’s a good start to be here.”
“It’s not fantastic, but it’s not bad either. But there are some things to look at to try to be in better shape next time.”
“You want to be perfect in qualifying, but you also want to make sure your car works well in the race, because the points are shared tomorrow,” Verstappen said.
“It was fun to have a good battle with Carlos and Charles. They did a good job over the winter so hopefully it will be an exciting race as well.”
Both Red Bull and Ferrari confirmed their good feelings in preseason and free practice by occupying the first four places on the starting grid at the Bahrain GP, with Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen on the front row, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez.
Lewis Hamilton led Mercedes into fifth, more than six-tenths off Leclerc’s pole position, while team-mate George Russell struggled late in Q3 and had to settle for ninth.
Verstappen said he didn’t believe Mercedes ‘ words that they weren’t competitive after pre-season testing, but after watching qualifying for the Bahrain GP, he replied with a sarcastic “very, very” when asked if he was disappointed with Mercedes. .
