Max-verstappen-voorsprong-kon-groter-zijn-marko

Marko knows why Verstappen took such dominant pole in Austin

00:51, 19 Oct

Updated: 01:15, 19 Oct

byTim Kraaij

Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen could have secured pole position by an even wider margin, as he revealed in a post-qualifying conversation with GPblog.

''With a second set, I think we would have been even faster.’’

After narrowly securing pole position for the sprint race and delivering an exciting performance during the sprint itself, Verstappen was untouchable in qualifying for the Grand Prix in the United States on Saturday. Following the conclusion of the qualifying session, GPblog spoke exclusively with Marko, who watched his star driver claim the pole again.

''We have adjusted the car and what we have done has improved the car,'' the Austrian said after the session in Austin. After the sprint race, Verstappen had expressed his concerns about the car. According to the Dutch driver, adjustments had to be made to the car, which Red Bull subsequently did.

''Yes, it was better. In the second run, there were drivers who were so slow that we missed it (to be able to drive another round). Fortunately, it was enough. With a second set, I think we would have been even faster.''

Whether Verstappen can maintain his dominance in Sunday’s race remains to be seen. “That will be more difficult,” the Red Bull advisor admitted. With warm conditions expected once again, tyre wear could potentially play into McLaren’s hands. Turn 1 is also set to be a key flashpoint, having already been the scene of incidents earlier in the weekend and in past races at the Circuit of the Americas.

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