Verstappen only 0.011s faster than Piastri: 'I drove very carefully'

Max Verstappen captured pole position in spectacular fashion during Sprint Shootout qualifying. On a drying track, the drivers in SQ3 decided to use the soft on their cars. In the end, the Dutchman was just 0.011s faster than Oscar Piastri and only 0.025s faster than number three Carlos Sainz.

"Yeah, it was pretty difficult," laughed Verstappen. "I think we stayed calm." Red Bull decided to stay on intermediates in SQ2. Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll tried on the medium tyre and ended up in the wall. Verstappen took it easy. "The gap was not as big as yesterday, but there was also no need to risk it all. My second sector was a bit careful, but I am still on pole so that is what counts."

What can F1 fans expect from the Dutchman in the sprint race? "I will try to have a good start to have clean, clear vision. That is going to be important if it is wet."