Verstappen after missing out on pole: 'Then we didn't have it together'
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Max Verstappen was the fastest man in Mexico in all free practice sessions. But when it mattered, it was the Ferrari that were the fastest during qualifying. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were faster than Verstappen in their SF23, which can be described as a surprise. Afterwards, Verstappen reacted coolly.
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"It's very difficult. It's low grip around here because of the altitude [at which we drive]. In the last sector, we had a bit harder than we would have liked. In the last sector, we were struggling a little bit more than we would have liked," stated Verstappen.
He continued: "Nevertheless, it is a long race. There are a lot of laps to be raced, and that's where you score the points. I'm confident about tomorrow. Of course, I would like to start first, but we have a good slipstream up to Turn 1!"
Verstappen will start Sunday - if he is not penalised for driving too slowly out of the pit lane - from third place. With a long run towards the first corner, there are chances for the 26-year-old Dutchman to make up places immediately at the start.