Verstappen explains pole lap: "I think that’s where the lap time comes from"
F1 News
- GPblog.com
In a look back at the brilliant lap that brought Max Verstappen pole position during qualifying at Paul Ricard, the Dutch driver explains how he managed to find three tenths of speed in Q3. He also gives his view on the preparations that have been going on since the start of the race weekend in order to start the Grand Prix in the best possible position.
In the press conference after qualifying, Verstappen explains how he was able to drive three tenths faster during Q3 than in the earlier sessions. Verstappen: "I think it's a general understanding of the track. Of course, we did two runs with the medium in Q2, so then you go out in Q3 on the soft and I think you’re always a tiny bit under the potential in your first run."
Verstappen continued: "On the second run, you know where you left a bit of lap time so you’re just gaining on every corner, just a tiny bit and I think that’s where the lap time comes from."
Preparation
Verstappen also argues that the changes made after the free practice sessions are often crucial for a good result. "Most of the time, we are quite happy starting a weekend but we still of course also improve and change things on the cars", the driver from Limburg knows. "FP1 here, for example, I wasn’t entirely happy, so we made quite a few changes and it was immediately a lot better but it’s sometimes a lot about preparation as well before you get here."