Verstappen frustrated with P3: "It's not going to be easy"

Max Verstappen was once again unable to beat the Mercedes duo in qualifying in Bahrain, finishing third in qualifying for the Sakhir GP. It was a different pairing this week, but the Dutchman was still not able to beat polesitter Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes debutant George Russell.

"It's a very short lap and to be P3 I tried to be as close as I can but it was closer than normal and the layout explains that," Verstappen told Sky Sports after the session.

Verstappen will have to settle for the second row once again, and added: "We are starting on different tyres so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Wherever possible but we will find out tomorrow. The laptimes are so close. It will depend on starts and traffic management but it's not going to be easy."