Horner almost saw Verstappen crash in Abu Dhabi: 'He really went for it'

Max Verstappen eventually finished in fifht position in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi GP. The Red Bull Racing driver also had a moment exiting the final corner on his first lap, but he could avoid the fall. Here is how team principal Christian Horner reacted to Verstappen's session.

'Frustrating to have to start fifth'

On his first lap, exiting the final corner, Q3 nearly came to an end for the Dutchman. However, Verstappen did well to avoid the wall, and was in the lead after everyone's first run. Following the session, Horner said Verstappen went the extra mile to find some time.

"The first run was looking reasonable and Max had a big moment which he managed to save in the last corner, it was quite a slide. He was going for it, for sure he was going for it," Horner began to Viaplay.

Verstappen looked in good shape, but could not improve on his second lap. According to Horner, on the other hand, there are still plenty of opportunities for the Dutchman. "Then that last run, the car never really came alive at no point did he look quicker in the lap so other than the last corner, so, frustrating to be fifth but it's a track you can overtake at, so let's see in the race tomorrow," the team principal continued

"I think strategy and tyre wear will be crucial. So let's see. Nico Hülkenberg did a very good job. He's up there in P4. You've got the constructors' battle as well, obviously. So we do our own thing and see what happens," the Briton concluded at the Yas Marina Circuit.

This article was written in collaboration with Jeroen Immink

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