Verstappen can't shake the feeling: 'You can feel your heart rate going up'

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez still feel the tension rising every race weekend during qualifying, they say in conversation with Formula1.com. However, it gives the drivers an extra dose of energy to get the most out of their performance.

Red Bull Racing has struggled to keep up with Ferrari in qualifying this season. Despite the Austrian team being way up there in the championship, it's the Italians who often come out on top on Saturday. For Red Bull, therefore, there is still work to be done.

At the same time, Perez knows what it takes to have a good qualifying session. "It’s important you keep the focus," he says. "If you get to comfortable that you have a great lap, and you try to preserve that lap, then it’s easy to lose two tenths in one corner. It’s never a good lap until it’s completed."

Fighting for pole position is also a weekly challenge for Verstappen. The Dutchman is well aware that he has one of the best cars on the grid at his disposal, but knows that qualifying often comes down to details.

The reigning world champion continues to feel the tension in his body as he enters Q3. "You can feel your heart rate going up," Verstappen revealed. "You know this is the lap that matters. Your adrenaline also goes through the roof, but that’s what we like."