Red Bull left clueless after Max Verstappen’s failure to fight for Abu Dhabi GP pole

Helmut Marko confessed that Red Bull did not expect Max Verstappen to qualify outside the front row for Abu Dhabi GP.

Red Bull left clueless after Max Verstappen’s failure to fight for Abu Dhabi GP pole

Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen headed into the Abu Dhabi GP after taking an impressive victory in Qatar. The Dutch driver hoped to be in contention for yet another win. However, Verstappen seemed to be nowhere close to pole position. Now, Dr. Helmut Marko has admitted that Red Bull did not anticipate such a situation.

Verstappen did have the pace to put his car at the front during Qualifying. Though, the reigning world champion almost spun in the final corner before finishing his Q3 lap. Helmut Marko confessed that the team did not understand why Max Verstappen struggled with the car and lost two tenths.

We don’t know exactly why. We were very optimistic after the first run. Max not only lost the car in Turn 16, but also two tenths.

Helmut Marko said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

This became the main reason for Max Verstappen finishing fifth in the session. Marko reckoned that the Dutch driver could’ve easily secured a spot on the front row. However, things only got worse in the second run for the four-time world champion.

FS Video

That would have been enough for the front row, but in the second run nothing worked at all.

Helmut Marko added
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Helmut Marko labels Abu Dhabi Qualifying ‘successful’

In the final run of Q3, Max Verstappen seemed to have lost pace and was slower in all sectors. This baffled the Red Bull pit wall. Nevertheless, Helmut Marko reckoned that the session was successful for the team despite having a disappointing result.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max was slower in all sectors, but overall I would say it was a successful qualifying. Only with disappointing result.

Helmut Marko stated

Max Verstappen will start the race from P4 on Sunday after Nico Hulkenberg‘s grid penalty. This could allow the 27-year-old to make up places at the start and potentially fight for the lead. Although, it remains to be seen if the Red Bull driver can match the two McLarens up front.

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