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Verstappen puts money on McLaren: 'Happy if I can keep up their pace'
- Ludo van Denderen
With Max Verstappen starting from 11th - a consequence of an engine change and consequent grid penalty - McLaren had undoubtedly hoped to create a sizeable gap to the Dutchman as early as qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. In reality, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled in the treacherous conditions at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Later this Sunday, they will start fourth and fifth respectively. Max Verstappen does not expect the McLaren drivers to stay in those places for long.
Verstappen coming from midfield and the fact that he therefore needs to overtake the necessary competitors first, makes McLaren the favourite for victory in the Belgian Ardennes, the Red Bull Racing world champion explained on Saturday after qualifying. "Looking at their pace yesterday (friday) in the long run, it's incredibly strong," Verstappen said in the paddock. "They look very comfortable out there. They are starting a little bit further back but I think they're so fast they will quite quickly challenge at the front for the lead."
Verstappen goes for an alternative tyre strategy
He says whether Verstappen can attack the McLarens at any point depends on several factors. "It also depends a bit on how I get through Lap One and stuff but I would already be happy if we can match that race pace. Starting a bit further back also being on different tires, I don't know that how that is going to work out. Most teams around us have two hard tires we don't."
"I don't know if that's better or not of course for the moment but we'll find out tomorrow. But yeah, it's definitely self-damage limitation," concluded Verstappen, who has previously revealed he is not expecting a win at his favourite circuit. In recent years, he did manage to take victory in Belgium from midfield.