Verstappen after missing out on pole: 'Then we didn't have it together'

"It's very difficult. It's low grip around here because of the altitude [at which we drive]. In the last sector, we had a bit harder than we would have liked. In the last sector, we were struggling a little bit more than we would have liked," stated Verstappen.

He continued: "Nevertheless, it is a long race. There are a lot of laps to be raced, and that's where you score the points. I'm confident about tomorrow. Of course, I would like to start first, but we have a good slipstream up to Turn 1!"

Verstappen will start Sunday - if he is not penalised for driving too slowly out of the pit lane - from third place. With a long run towards the first corner, there are chances for the 26-year-old Dutchman to make up places immediately at the start.