Verstappen crushes competition: "A great qualifying session"

Max Verstappen impressively won qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. The Dutchman did only one run in the all-deciding Q3, but it was more than enough to top the timesheet. The Red Bull Racing driver will not be able to start from pole position due to grid penalties.

Verstappen set a 1:43.665 and was about eight-tenths faster than teammate Sergio Perez. Afterwards, the 24-year-old driver said he was more than satisfied with today.

Verstappen more than happy

"It was a great qualifying session," said Verstappen. "All weekend we have been on top and the car is working very well. We've been busy fine-tuning the car and it all came together in qualifying. I had to be a bit careful not to use too many tyres, especially with a view to tomorrow. I'm very happy with my lap."

The reigning world champion is thoroughly enjoying this weekend in the Ardennes. "It's great to be here, fantastic circuit and exceptional fans," said Verstappen, who says he wants to move towards the podium. "We have to make up places [tomorrow]. With this car, it would be a shame if we missed the podium."

Starting spot Verstappen

Verstappen will start from the eighth row of the grid, P15, on Sunday afternoon at Spa-Francorchamps. Charles Leclerc will start alongside him from sixteenth.