“Very enjoyable to drive today,” Max Verstappen rejoices Spanish GP pole while a ‘frustrated’ title rival Sergio Perez laments Q2 knockout

The world champion secured pole yet again, with his teammate starting 10 places behind him.

“Very enjoyable to drive today,” Max Verstappen rejoices Spanish GP pole while a ‘frustrated’ title rival Sergio Perez laments Q2 knockout

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Credits: The Guardian and MSN)

Qualifying around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was a pair of contrasting tales for the Red Bull drivers. Championship favorite Max Verstappen has made a habit out of asserting his superiority, clinching pole position once again. Conversely, title rival Sergio Perez was shockingly knocked out of contention for the pole in Q2.

Verstappen was delighted with his performance. Speaking to the media after his pole, he said, “The car was really good, qualifying started off a bit tricky with the weather but by Q3 the car was on rails. Very enjoyable to drive today. I love the track, I love the fans, I have some great memories here.” He is intent on cruising to victory as he has become accustomed to, strengthening his already firm grip on the title.

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Sergio Perez, in contrast, was in disbelief, and his despair could be felt in his voice when he reacted to his knockout on his team radio. He said to the media, “The conditions were very tricky and I finally lost control in Turn 5. It was very difficult to get everything right today. It’s frustrating, but it’s not Monaco here . We can still score a lot of points here.”

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Perez’s struggle to regain momentum after veering off through the gravel, along with the resultant dust on his tires, likely served as an inhibitor. Unfortunately, things are not falling into place for him at the moment, and the mounting pressure only adds to the challenge he faces.

Related: “Smile through the pain”- Fans react to Charles Leclerc’s nightmare qualifying session at the Spanish GP

Sergio Perez’s nightmare run continues while Max Verstappen continues to thrive

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Credits: Sports Illustrated)
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Credits: Sports Illustrated)

The proceedings in Spain were in accordance with the recurring theme Max Verstappen established recently. This marks the 24th pole position of his career, and he will be eager to convert it into yet another victory on Sunday. The 25-year-old took the first-ever career win here and will look to mark his third victory at the tricky circuit.

Sergio Perez’s torrid run from Monaco seems to be carrying forward, with yet another dismal qualifying. He put his car in the gravel during his final flying lap, which cost him an appearance in Q3 and, crucially, a shot at being at the front of the grid with Verstappen. His title hopes already looked bleak after Monaco’s drought, having scored no points.

This may be the final nail in the coffin for the Mexican’s title ambitions, with Verstappen seemingly unbeatable. Starting P11, it will take a miracle and more for him to step on the podium and maintain a glimmer of hope. His work is undoubtedly cut out for him, with all odds against him. Being a conventional circuit, it also plays into the strengths of his rival.

Verstappen’s current lead lies at 39 points, which could increase substantially should Perez fail to step on the podium. With only a quarter of the season concluding, the brief title fight between the duo appears to be nearing its climax.

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