Verstappen plays down his chances of pole in Mexico

Max Verstappen says he is unlikely to take pole position on Saturday at the Mexican Grand Prix, claiming that Ferrari are just too quick, despite the altitude making the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez one of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's best circuits. Verstappen has been victorious at the last two Mexican Grands Prix, but is unsure he can make it a hat-trick of Mexican victories.

The Dutchman had a solid enough Friday, finishing third in FP1 and second later on in FP2 in the first of two consecutive North American races, with the US Grand Prix up next.

His Red Bull Racing teammate Alex Albon crashed in FP2, and Verstappen believes it will be tough for him to qualify right at the front.

He said: “Today was a pretty positive day. We tested quite a few bits on the car, improved throughout the day and in the end I was quite pleased with the balance. There are of course things still to be improved but you can’t complain when you are purple in sectors two and three.

"I don’t think we can realistically fight Ferrari for pole as they are just too quick on the straights and there are not enough corners to make up the difference but we seem to be in the same speed range on the long runs.

"Now we just have to focus on the race where our pace looks more competitive and if we can keep our tyres under control then I think it will be a close race.”