Verstappen expects Perez on podium: 'Should be possible normally'

Max Verstappen starts the Spanish Grand Prix somewhat lonely at the top. The Red Bull Racing driver's main rivals have to come from far away: Fernando Alonso is eighth on the grid, with Sergio Perez even further behind at P11. Still, Verstappen expects to see his teammate just next to him on the podium after the race.

Verstappen has somewhat unusual company on the grid. Carlos Sainz starts next to the Dutchman on the front row with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton behind him, the latter of whom gained a spot due to Pierre Gasly's grid penalties.

The biggest surprise came from McLaren, which saw Norris secure its best starting position of the season. "They have always been pretty good in fast corners," Verstappen analysed in conversation with GPblog and others. "In the slow corners they did struggle a bit more. I do think they have slightly overperformed, so that's nice to see."

About his own chances in the race, the Red Bull driver is clear. "Of course things can always go wrong. I have to make sure I pay attention to the tyres. On pure race pace, I think it's fine," Verstappen continued. The biggest danger may be in the tyres, which, according to the championship leader, "always tend to wear fast" at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

During qualifying, teammate Perez ended up in the gravel trap, after which he failed to reach Q3. Despite his 11th starting place, Verstappen expects the Mexican to be on the podium in Barcelona. "Normally it should be possible, with the speed we have in the car," said the reigning world champion.