Horner sees Verstappen perform strongly: "It was an unusual qualification"

Max Verstappen managed to record the first time on Friday. The Dutchman was faster than competitor Charles Leclerc in Q3 and is therefore on P1 in the sprint race. Christian Horner was proud of the driver after qualifying.

The reigning world champion has had a difficult season-opening. While he was victorious in Saudi Arabia, he was unable to finish the race in Bahrain and Australia through no fault of his own. In Imola, Red Bull Racing and Verstappen, therefore, had something to put right.

Horner gives Verstappen big compliment

Like the other drivers, Verstappen had to deal with difficult weather conditions. With a lot of rain on the track, he had a hard time keeping his car on the asphalt. In Q3, he nevertheless managed to set an excellent time that Leclerc was unable to make up.

"Verstappen did a super job," Horner judged afterwards in conversation with Sky Sports. "It was an unusual qualifying. The one lap that counted was thankfully the one lap we banked. It looked at the end the circuit would go quick. Too much rain for anyone to respond and another red flag. Shame for Checo."