Verstappen explains wild Las Vegas qualifying challenge: ‘Driving on ice’

06:40, 22 Nov

Updated: 07:25, 22 Nov

bySamson Ero

Max Verstappen labelled qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix as “driving on ice” after securing second place in treacherous wet conditions.

“I like to drive in the wet, but this here, it’s more like driving on ice.”

- Max Verstappen

The Red Bull Racing driver, who clinched second spot ahead of the Grand Prix, detailed how challenging the qualifying session was overall. Verstappen also revealed how difficult it was to get the tyres into their appropriate working window.

“It's really slippery to drive in the wet. It's not fun, I can tell you that. I like to drive in the wet, but this here, it’s more like driving on ice,” he said.

“It took a long time to get the tyres to work even a little bit. I do feel that we were a bit more competitive on the extreme tyre, but the track is improving, so you have to move on to the inters.”

Max Verstappen during the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying - Photo: Race Pictures

The Dutch driver also highlighted the challenge of finding grip in the treacherous wet conditions.

“I struggled a lot just to have any kind of grip. You risk a little bit more, but it was still nowhere near enough to fight for first or be on the front row. I think it's good for us.”

Verstappen added that the constantly shifting conditions made nailing the braking zones particularly tough.

“Left or right, it's just super difficult out there to get all the braking zones right and be on the limit of the tyres as well. I’m excited for tomorrow. I hope the inside is okay in terms of grip — but yeah, we'll see.”

The four-time world champion, who remains on the hunt for a fifth title, will start the race behind championship rival Lando Norris, who clocked the fastest time to claim pole position.

Verstappen: Visibility was very tough

Verstappen also acknowledged the poor visibility experienced through the session. Reflecting on his moment in Q1, the Red Bull racing star explained that drivers need as much as an eight-second gap to see clearly in such conditions.

“Visibility is very tough. There’s a lot of water that gets kicked up from the floor when it rains. There’s a lot of water and spray, and that’s why you always want at least eight seconds. And I know it’s a lot, otherwise you don’t really see what’s happening in front of you," he concluded.