Max Verstappen managed to snatch a great second position in Mexico. Despite all the adversities experienced during free practice and the first attempt cancelled due to track limits in Q3, the world champion managed to position himself on the front row behind Sainz.
Verstappen alone against everyone: qualifying in Mexico another great test
The fans and the world of Formula 1 should not need any further confirmation. Yet, every weekend, Verstappen is keen to remind everyone of his value, in case anyone still dares to question it. In Red Bull the days of their domination are long gone, but the one who saves the ship from complete sinking is always the world champion, while his teammate, Sergio Perez, puts in another disappointing performance. And this right here at his home, where he has always scored satisfactory results, but without ever winning.
As if Perez's poor results were not enough to further distance Red Bull from the manufacturers, the Mexican weekend did not start very well, with Verstappen's car forced to stop during the second free practice session due to a problem with the power unit. Luckily for him, the Dutchman did not incur any penalties, as the team had fitted the number 1 car with a power unit that had already been used in the past. However, Verstappen did not lose heart and, as he has been accustoming us lately, he drove the third free practice sessions and the three qualifying sessions in constant crescendo, until he conquered the front row in the Q3.
Tomorrow, as for Sainz, the big unknown will be the braking of the first corner after the start. In fact, Verstappen will have to avoid being sucked in by the cars behind him, but, at the same time, it will be important for him not to lose contact with Carlos Sainz, so as to be towed in the following laps by the Spaniard's DRS and defend himself from his pursuers. This, of course, always if the Dutchman is unable to overtake the Madrid driver in turn 1.
Verstappen picks up the possible: "I didn't expect the front row"
Max races to win, that's clear. But something has changed in him, especially since the weekend in Hungary this summer, where after a very nervous race and constant bickering with his engineer Lambiase, he came into contact with Hamilton in the final laps, losing championship points. From then on, Verstappen seems to have understood that he has to learn to settle, managing the advantage in the drivers' championship over Norris that he built up in the first part of the season. And so, here in Mexico too, the Dutchman has done his best, despite the problems and despite the pressure of a world champion who, even if no longer equipped with an invincible car, must find a way to assert himself, but without exaggerating.
A paradox, if you like, that Max Verstappen is interpreting to the best of his ability. Just like today in the Mexican qualifiers, with a front row position that initially seemed like a blurred mirage on the horizon. Difficulties, among other things, admitted first by Verstappen himself.Yesterday I hadn't done any toursWe found ourselves chasing a lot and the third free practice sessions didn't go well. I already had so much pressure. Also I was deprived of time, but I am very happy with the front row, I honestly didn't expect it to be possible"
Having had much less time available should have been a major obstacle for Max Verstappen. Instead, he managed to bring out the full potential of his car, putting together a fantastic lap in the final seconds of Q3. An even more significant feat when you consider the complications that a circuit like the Mexican one hides between its movements.I think this is one of the most difficult tracks to get the most out of. Street circuits are difficult, but this one is just as difficult. With the low aerodynamic load it is very easy to slide, the tires overheat and all this makes the circuit one of the most complicated on the calendar".
