Verstappen can live well with second place in qualifying

Max Verstappen missed pole position for the opening race of the Formula 1 season, but the world champion was also quite satisfied with his second place in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. “We have a good car, a good race car too. That’s the most important thing in the end,” said Verstappen. “All in all, it was a good day and a good start to a new era in Formula 1.”

The Red Bull leader had to tolerate only Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari in qualifying. The Monegask was 0.123 seconds faster than Verstappen. “It was an exciting battle with Charles and Carlos Sainz for pole. They did well this winter. The balance in my car was not great, but it wasn’t bad either, otherwise I wouldn’t be in this position. I hope for a nice race.”

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished in fifth and ninth place respectively. When asked whether he is disappointed in the speed of the Mercedes, Verstappen said with a laugh: “very, very yes”.