Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen ‘incredibly happy’ to grab pole position, but still wary of Mercedes threat
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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen did the unthinkable during the qualifying session on Saturday, as the Dutchman finished on pole position ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Prior to the qualifying session, it seemed as if Mercedes would easily secure a front low lockout, but Red Bull had other plans.
Sergio Perez played the team card and helped Max Verstappen on his flying lap. The Mexican gave his teammate a slip stream, as Verstappen recorded a timing of 1:22.109 seconds. Lando Norris secured a surprising third place finish in qualifying, as Valtteri Bottas could only manage to finish sixth.
Max Verstappen believes Mercedes will be a threat on Sunday
Max Verstappen was delighted after claiming the pole position on Saturday’s qualifying. However, he is well aware of Mercedes’ threat in the recent races. The Silver Arrows have won three back to back races, after Lewis Hamilton was handed the new engine.
“It’s of course an amazing feeling… I’m incredibly happy with this, this is what we wanted, but it’s never easy, especially with their form in the last few races,” said Verstappen after the qualifying session.
Max Verstappen will be starting on the pair of soft tyres, as he recorded his fastest time in Q2 on that compound. Similarly, Sergio Perez will also start the race on soft tyres, as Red Bull have taken a huge gamble with regards to their race strategy.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are level on points going into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Both are tied at 369.5 points each, and either of the two drivers cannot afford to make a costly error.
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)