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Marko thanks Hulkenberg after verstappen pole in imola

Marko thanks Hulkenberg on behalf of Verstappen: 'Max gained two tenths'

18 May at 17:18
Last update 18 May at 17:31
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  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen will start the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from pole position. Oscar Piastri came close, but ultimately fell 0.074 seconds short. According to Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko, that difference was due to Nico Hulkenberg.

Q3 was hugely exciting. Both McLarens and Verstappen were duelling for pole. Marko tells ServusTV he didn't think Verstappen would be on pole: "It was unexpected. It was a great improvement, also in terms of the set-up, but he took pole in Sector 1."

Marko thanks Hulkenberg on behalf of Verstappen

Indeed, at the start of the triple world champion's lap, he received a slipstream from Nico Hulkenberg, who had just finished his fast lap. Marko therefore says: "We should also thank Nico Hulkenberg. He gave Max a slipstream. He [Verstappen] made up two-tenths against Piastri and then only seven hundredths in the last sector."

Sergio Perez was eliminated in Q2. "That was a bit unfortunate. At first, he was driving on used tyres, then on new tyres and then he was surprised by the grip he had. I think he lost three tenths at Turn 7 and that wasn't enough in the tight field," Marko stated. "Overtaking is difficult here, but Max is at the front. That's the most important thing today."

Max Verstappen praises 'toe buddy' Hulkenberg

Speaking about the toe, Verstappen said: "We were two buddies out there. Q2 and Q3. I gave him a toe to turn 17 and he gave me a tow to turn 2. I think I did arrive a bit too quick for my liking because I did miss turn 2 a little bit. Overall, I think it did help me. When you are struggling all weekend and then finally it's coming around, you have to look for these little advantages to try and stay ahead. It worked out beautifully."