Max Verstappen started the season in Bahrain with his career pole number 21. An excellent start, a symptom of a team that has found its own dimension to remain at the top. In the past season, the fight with the Classic Ferrari for sale, in particular between Leclerc and Verstappen, was often eaten on Saturdays. And the Monegasque usually came out on top. That the music has changed compared to a year ago is now clear from the tests. Red Bull immediately showed a different pace from the rest of the group. Max also wants to exorcise the Sakhir track, not particularly lenient with the Dutchman.
Today's pole came on his father's birthday, the former driver Jos Verstappen. Father, perhaps a little too tough, who forged him, preparing him for the difficulties of life as a pilot. He has sewn on his son, Max, the champion's robe in which he is particularly comfortable with him. Just about his father, Max commented: "I hope he was watching (qualifying), I'm pretty sure."
Weekend with two faces
Red Bull had to deal with quite a few opponents in these qualifying sessions, in which Aston Martin also appeared in the top three. The top seven cars were separated by less than 0,7 seconds in Q3. Despite this, the Austrian team won without struggling too much. Ferrari has chosen to preserve itself for the race, the team's Achilles heel, especially as regards tire management. Red Bull has been more consistent and knows it can count on both drivers and on a car that has already given good signs on this circuit. Max Vestappen said he was "surprised" by Pole, which arrived after a Friday with a few too many understeer problems due to the set-up changes, which allowed Perez to get closer to his teammate.
“The weekend started in a difficult way, ha ammesso Max. “Yesterday I couldn't find the right pace but luckily we put out the best performances in qualifying. I'm happy with pole position, it's a happy moment for the whole team, after an excellent year like last year. Seeing Checo up there with me is awesome too, and I can't wait for tomorrow.” "Something has changed compared to last year, it was important to be competitive from the start, the car has changed. Everyone has improved in performance but that's the beauty of Formula 1. Pole was a surprise for me, after the suffering of free practice. In the race we usually go better so we are in good shape.”
