Three-time champion Max Verstappen criticised his Red Bull team but added it was a “nice surprise” to have qualified ahead of title rival Lando Norris for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The 27-year-old Dutch driver, who leads Norris by 62 points with three races remaining, said Red Bull had “thrown away two race weekends” by failing to have a dedicated low-downforce rear wing for circuits with high-speed straights such as Monza and Las Vegas.
The pair qualified fifth and sixth and will share the third row of the grid for Saturday night’s ‘Sin City’ race in which Verstappen can seal a fourth consecutive drivers’ crown by beating his friend and nearest rival.
He said he had not expected to be faster than the British 스포츠토토사이트 McLaren driver in a session topped by George Russell of Mercedes, who claimed his fourth career pole.
“We are in front of McLaren and that’s a nice surprise for me,” said Verstappen.
Norris was despondent about his chances, saying he felt “top four was out of reach” for him.
“Mercedes have been easily quickest,” added Norris.
“I was struggling in corners and could not find the balance. It was too much of a challenge.
“But I will do all I can in the race to do what I need.