Max Verstappen rejoices ‘nice’ Belgian GP Qualifying despite impending grid penalty

Max Verstappen asserted that Red Bull showed decent pace in Qualifying as he clinched pole position at Spa-Francorchamps.

Max Verstappen rejoices ‘nice’ Belgian GP Qualifying despite impending grid penalty

Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have faced a serious threat for the world title this season. The reigning world champions have gone winless for three races for the first time since 2021. However, Verstappen bounced back at the Belgian GP after placing his car on pole position.

The Dutch driver pulled off an impressive lap to take pole in a wet session. Although, it must be noted that Max Verstappen will have a ten-place grid penalty for the race. The Red Bull driver claimed that he and the team had a nice session at Spa-Francorchamps despite the weather. Verstappen highlighted that it only rained a ‘little bit’ which helped the session.

It was a nice qualifying, luckily the weather was okay, raining a little bit but we could still do a decent qualifying.
Max Verstappen said post-Qualifying
YouTube video

Moreover, Max Verstappen was happy with the RB20 in wet weather conditions. The three-time world champion highlighted that he could focus on his laps. However, Verstappen highlighted that conditions will be a lot warmer for the race without any forecast for rain.

FS Video
The car was working quite well in the wet so I could just do my laps. Tomorrow is a different day, warmer, no rain.
Max Verstappen stated
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Max Verstappen waiting to see ‘what happens’ at Belgian GP turn 1

The Dutch driver will start the race from eleventh place. While Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez finally made it to Q3 and will start P2 on Sunday courtesy of the penalty. Max Verstappen asserted that a lot would depend on tire degradation. The reigning world champion hoped to be in the mix for victory despite starting far behind rivals.

It's all about tire degradation - I don't know how quick we'll be, but I hope we can be in the mix.
Max Verstappen explained
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Verstappen further highlighted that a race could be lost at Turn 1 if a major collision takes place. Subsequently, the reigning world champion claimed that he would see what happens at the start and take things from there.

The race can be lost in Turn 1 so I just need to see what happens and go from there.
Max Verstappen concluded

Certainly, Max Verstappen is happy with Red Bull’s pace this weekend. The three-time world champion will need to make some quick progress on Sunday if he wants to salvage a podium. However, it is clear that the Dutch driver does not rule himself out from a potential shot at victory.

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