Verstappen confident after Qualifying: 'Last year, we had more penalties'

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reaction verstappen after belgian qualifying
28 July 2023 at 17:34
Last update 28 July 2023 at 17:49
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  • Kada Sarkozi
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Max Verstappen was overwhelmingly the fastest man in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. However, he will not start Sunday's race from pole positon. That honour goes to Charles Leclerc, as Verstappen incurs a grid penalty for replacing his gearbox.

Verstappen on qualifying GP Belgium

"It was very tight," Verstappen said after the wet qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps. "The conditions were tricky and the track was drying quickly. On my final lap in Q2 I didn't have the confidence to push more and I was very lucky to be in P10."

He continued: "In Q3 you have two tyre sets and can push a bit more, risk more and that's what we did on that final lap. I know I have to drop back on Sunday with the penalty I have, so it was the best I could do today."

He rates his chances for Sunday's race fine despite his grid penalty. "Last year, we had more penalties but I still won the race. So, let's first see what happens tomorrow, and then we focus on the race," Verstappen said.