Max Verstappen claims he had a ‘really good shot’ at Austin pole following George Russell’ late Q3 crash
Max Verstappen believed that he had the chance to score the pole position at the US GP if it wasn't for George Russell's Q3 crash.
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Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Motorsport Images)
Red Bull’s dwindling pace in the 2024 season wasn’t as evident at the US GP. Max Verstappen finally scored some impressive results after winning the Sprint race. Additionally, the Dutchman achieved a front-row start for the US GP. He opened up regarding his dominant performance in Austin despite the massive performance struggles.
Max Verstappen was on the trajectory to amass the pole position at the US GP if it wasn’t for George Russell‘s crash during the Q3 session. The Dutchman reckoned that the team had a great shot at amassing the pole position. Regardless, Verstappen was satisfied with the possibility of achieving P1 and is thus, glad to be on the front row.
Otherwise, I think we had a we had a really good shot, but that’s how it goes. It’s still on the front row at least, the potential was there, you know, it to be for us, so that’s very good.
Max Verstappen said during the post-session interview
Verstappen noted that he lost some time on the Turn 19 of the COTA circuit during his first outing in the Q3 session. Despite the crash, the Dutchman managed a lap time good enough for second place. Additionally, he pointed out that he had the chance to score the pole position but couldn’t finish the lap.
On the first lap I lost quite a bit of time there. That’s unfortunate, but I knew that we had another run, but unfortunately. I couldn’t finish the lap.
Max Verstappen added
???️ | Max on his qualifying
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) October 19, 2024
"On the first lap I lost quite a bit of time there. That's unfortunate, but I knew that we had another run, but unfortunately I. I couldn't finish the lap.
Otherwise, I think we had a we had a really good shot, but that's how it goes. It's still on… pic.twitter.com/xJjCNYA42u
Lando Norris accepted McLaren being on the ‘backfoot’ in comparison to Red Bull
McLaren’s highly dominant pace allowed them to breeze past Red Bull in the constructors’ standings. Moreover, Lando Norris had a chance to close in on Max Verstappen in the driver’s tussle. However, Norris reckoned that Woking was on the back foot in comparison to Milton Keynes at the US GP. Additionally, the Briton accepted that he got lucky after being handed the pole position.
We’ve been on the back foot all weekend, not on the pace of the Ferrari or the Red Bull so sometimes as a driver you have to do something, which I did. Carlos said he was going quicker, Max said he was going quicker so maybe I was lucky but I’ll take it.
Lando Norris said during the post-session interview
Norris: We’ve been on the back foot all weekend, not on the pace of the Ferrari or the Red Bull so sometimes as a driver you have to do something, which I did. Carlos said he was going quicker, Max said he was going quicker so maybe I was lucky but I’ll take it
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) October 19, 2024
Keeping in mind Lando Norris’ disappointing race starts, the Briton is highly likely to lose the pole position at the start of the Austin race. Max Verstappen has also showcased a dominant performance at the US GP after scoring the sprint win. Hence, the main Grand Prix promises great excitement and racing action at the business end of the grid.
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Aditya Pandya
(1476 Articles Published)