Tim Kraaij is Editor-in-Chief of GPblog.com and a Formula 1 analyst. With permanent FIA accreditation and direct access to the paddock, he delivers in-depth, data-driven analysis and insight into key developments within the sport.
A better performance than expected, but Max Verstappen was by no means satisfied after qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix. Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen revealed that the car is not fast enough yet and that this needs to be worked on.
"Much better than expected. I already thought being on the second row would be a fine result when you look at the third practice. But then somehow it went a little better. It's just not yet how it should be, versus the competition, but I do think we maximised."
Red Bull not good in Mexico
Verstappen expressed where he wants to see improvements. "I just feel good in the car, but the car is just not fast enough. It is very difficult over kerbs and in slow corners we are just not good. That's always been the case."
In the third part of qualifying, Verstappen's first lap was taken away. The Dutchman had exceeded the track limits and so the pressure was on. "Yes, that's true. That's not always a nice feeling, but then if it works out, it's fine."
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When it was then stated that Verstappen often comes out on top in these kinds of situations, Max said: "Sometimes it also has to be a bit lucky. I've also had moments here in Mexico when it looked good, but just when it needed to that things went wrong. Those are moments you do learn from and so you get better with experience," Verstappen concluded.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
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Practice 2
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Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
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Sunday 28.06.26
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Friday 26.06.26
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