Portimão pole-sitters slightly surprised by Verstappen Racing: 'They may had some problems'
Morris Schuring set the fastest time in Q1 of qualifying in Portimao - Photo: SRO/JEP
Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
An exciting qualifying session in the Algarve saw Porsche claim a dominant pole position. Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing lacked the pace to dethrone Boutsen VDS Racing. Dutchman Morris Schuring will start from pole alongside his teammates and jokes that Verstappen can 'take his time' making his way through the field.
Q1 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve began just before sunset, with Schuring behind the wheel. He immediately showed his pace with a 1:42.445 lap, just 0.079 seconds faster than Mattia Drudi in the #7 Aston Martin. “It felt really good,” Schuring tells GPblog. "I think we’ve had a good balance all weekend. But there were a few question marks because it was our first time driving in the dark here, in slightly cooler conditions."
“It actually went surprisingly well. We had a good pace, and I think the key to our pole was our consistency. Everyone did a very good job. I'm incredibly happy to be here," he adds. All the hard work on Boutsen VDS’s #2 Porsche finally seems to be paying off. Schuring explains what lies behind this remarkable turnaround. Simply calling it ‘luck’ would be too easy.
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I think things are coming together now. We've had a difficult time and made some fundamental changes ahead of Zandvoort, and since then we saw a clear step forward. We took pole at Zandvoort, fought for victory in Barcelona, and now we’re on pole again here. I’m very proud of that. I’ve personally worked very hard for it, together with the team, of course."
Schuring and Picariello look forward to a battle with Verstappen
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Schuring is naturally not the only Dutchman on the grid this weekend. The Netherlands is well represented across the various classes, including by four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, who is driving his 'own' car with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. The team seemed to have a tougher time of it and will start the race from 15th place.
"I expected them to be a little further up the grid. It looks like they might have had some problems, because it's certainly not down to the drivers - all three of them are fantastic, including Max himself. I'm sure they'll find their way forward tomorrow. Hopefully it takes them long enough that we can stay in front until the finish!"
"You never know what can happen: safety cars, strategy, everything can come into play. We're keeping our feet on the ground and look ahead to race day tomorrow."
Teammate Alessio Picariello feels the same way, but would love to go head-to-head with the Dutchman. The two also raced at the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nordschleife, but a battle never materialised after Picariello suffered a heavy crash. "It would be nice to go head-to-head, but I hope we can stay ahead!" Picariello laughs. "I think we have what it takes to keep doing that. I’m looking forward to it!"
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