Verstappen sees roles reversed: "Mercedes superfast on straights"

Max Verstappen has to get used to the fact that he has grabbed pole position by winning a sprint race in Formula 1. It also earned him three extra World Championship points, but 25 points will be distributed on Sunday, so there's no sign of a celebration in the Red Bull Racing camp just yet.

"It was different. I enjoyed driving in lower fuel in a race setting," he is quoted by Sky Sports. "The car becomes more alive and is a lot better to drive. Just a bit weird here because you have pole position because you are racing. Maybe you need to get used to it. I think pole position should be deserved after one proper lap."

Mercedes dangerously fast

Verstappen's starting position is very good with a first place on the grid, but it will be careful from the start for the W12s of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. The Mercedes drivers will start from P2 and P3 respectively, so they will be putting pressure on from the outset, both on track and strategically.

It will be up to Red Bull and Verstappen to counter this, but they certainly won't need the services of Sergio Perez. The Mexican spun and will start last, leaving Verstappen to do it on his own. "They [Mercedes] are super fast on the straights because we are running more downforce. 88% of the track is flat out but we need to make sure we are fast through the corners," he briefly previewed to the British medium.

In recent races Red Bull and Honda have often had the upper hand on the straights. According to Verstappen, this is only due to the adjustment of the rear wing.