Pole wasn't realistic for Verstappen: "We all know Mercedes is dominant here"

After qualifying in third behind the two Mercedes cars, Max Verstappen revealed he couldn't have done any better, as the Dutchman explained the Silver Arrows are simply too dominant at the Yas Marina Circuit.https://www.gpblog.com/en/drivers/valtteri-bottas

Verstappen will start on the front row as Valtteri Bottas is serving a grid penalty, lining up next to pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton, who broke his nine-race long pole drought.

The Dutchman is coming off an impressive win in Brazil, where he overtook Hamilton twice to take the flag at Interlagos as he won for the third time in 2019 and for the eighth time in his career.

Speaking to Paul di Resta on the grid after qualifying, Verstappen was realistic, explaining pole position was never on the cards for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.

"Today third was the best we could do," said the 22-year-old.

"We all know Mercedes is quite dominant here."

After his pole in Brazil, Verstappen is happy to be starting on the front row again as his team typically end the season strongly.

"Overall, pretty happy. It is good to start on the front row. Still a lot of chances for the race and we will see what happens."