Verstappen can't do much else but follow: "You'll just have to accept that"

Max Verstappen was the best driver behind both Mercedes drivers during qualifying on Saturday. The gap to Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas was large, but in retrospect, he is reasonably satisfied with tomorrow's starting position.

"I'm not surprised. We're trying to get to know the car and improve it. But I think qualifying was generally good. I was third all the time. I don't think I could have done much more, my last lap was also good."

Got a little gloomy

"I had a bit of a moment when I came out of the last corner. But then again, I don't know. It's just a big hole and we're trying our best. For us that's third place at the moment, so that's a lot better than seventh."

Immediately after qualifying, Verstappen sounded quite satisfied, but during the press conference, the reality of the gap with Mercedes was dawning.

"Normally we can't fight, but we just hope for a good start and then I just have to follow them. Then we can get some points."