Verstappen calls P3 "not amazing but better than starting second"

Max Verstappen had hoped for pole position in Mexico, but it didn't happen. Both Mercedes drivers were faster at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez, causing disappointment on the faces of Red Bull Racing. Verstappen knows the points will be decided on Sunday.

"It seemed like through qualifying the balance went away a little bit," stated Verstappen immediately after the race. "Actually in the last lap I was on for a good lap and I don't know what happened in front of me but there was two guys going off. I thought there was going to a yellow flag. I backed out and the lap was destroyed."

The 24-year-old Limburger continued, "Even with that we know we didn't have a great balance we could have still gone for that pole. Third isn't amazing but it's still better than starting second." Verstappen seems to be referring to the long straight, which can provide a good slipstream when the lights go out.

Crack causes no loss of time

There was ducktape on the rear wing due to a crack, but according to the World Championship leader it didn't cost any time. "We had to repair them (rear wing) but I think at the end heading into qualifying everything was again normal. Not ideal but I don't think its a reason why it was a struggle in qualifying." Verstappen has not yet put victory out of his mind. "There's still a lot to fight for."