Marko not happy with Perez: 'Verstappen can drive fast and save material'.

Max Verstappen set the fastest time in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, so Helmut Marko can be satisfied. Yet the party would have been even more complete if Sergio Perez had also driven a strong session. Unfortunately the Mexican ended up in the wall.

"It was incredibly exciting. Max warmed up his tyres too quickly in the first run, which was not ideal. In the second run it was okay," Marko told the German arm of Sky Sports. "We would have been very happy if Perez hadn't crashed at the end. Ferrari was much stronger here than in Spa, but that's what we assumed."

Marko: 'Perez needs to perform faster'

The difference between Verstappen and Charles Leclerc was minimal after the final run, but pole position will potentially be crucial on Sunday at the Zandvoort circuit, where overtaking is not always easy. Verstappen managed to come back strongly after a disappointing Friday, but the same cannot be said for team-mate Perez. The Red Bull driver ended up in the wall in the closing stages of Q3 and will have to make do with fifth on the grid on Sunday.

"Max has learned to drive fast and save the material. According to our calculations Perez would have been third, but it is better that he takes a risk and flies off than that he is stuck there. He needs to perform faster on Friday, but we believe we can fight with him for second in the championship," Marko said.