Verstappen clear: 'I knew it was going to be a tricky story'

Max Verstappen had to settle for second place during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Dutchman saw his rival Lewis Hamilton gloriously drive to pole position, although the Briton has to move five places back on Sunday due to the replacement of his combustion engine. Verstappen told the camera of Ziggo Sport to be satisfied with the result.

Indeed, the Dutchman sees that Mercedes are having a good weekend by replacing the combustion engine. "You can't expect me to be on pole position this weekend. Especially not after Lewis takes a new engine this weekend," Verstappen stated. "We know that Mercedes can screw the engine up a bit more the first weekend. After that it slowly comes down in terms of power. When I heard that, I knew it was going to be a tricky story."

However, Verstappen is looking at the rest of the weekend positively. "The gap is a bit bigger than I wanted. The beginning of my lap was good, but then I arrived at turn eight. At one point I had no grip left at the front." On Saturday he hopes to surprise during the sprint race. "I always try to get the best out of it. If I have a chance I go for it of course. If I don't, then of course you have to score as many points as possible."

Sergio Perez fell just short of a top three finish in qualifying. The Mexican drove the fourth fastest time, beating Valtteri Bottas, who is his direct rival in the world championship.