Pole crucial? 'Last year I took the lead here and didn't win either'

Often the race in Barcelona is won from the pole. Moreover, overtaking is difficult at this circuit in Catalonia. To have a chance at victory, a good start for Max Verstappen, therefore, seems crucial. The Dutchman will start second behind Charles Leclerc.

Spot four

During the press conference post-qualifying, the world champion was asked how important the start is. Verstappen indicated that it could be important, but then again it could not. After all, it was Verstappen himself who won the Grand Prix at this circuit in 2016 after starting from fourth place.

 "So, you need, overall, just good pace during the race. You need good tyre management around here. It's really hard on tyres with the high-speed cornering. So of course, if there is an opportunity you go for it. If it's not, you don't. You just settle and try to wait for the opportunity and hope that of course the package you have tomorrow in the race is competitive enough to fight for the win."

Balanced car

Verstappen is confident of a good outcome. He told the media Saturday afternoon that he has a balanced car. Moreover, the Dutchman is traditionally good at working with his tyres.