Verstappen shares 'dramatic' feedback after poor qualifying in 'I aim for first place' cheeky comment
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Co-author:Tobia Elia
Marnik Kok caught the Formula 1 world around twenty years ago. A deep passion for motorsport, Ferrari, and a background in journalism led him to contribute to various (international) F1 platforms. Since 2020, Marnik has been active as an editor and journalist in the pinnacle of motorsport for several media outlets, including De Telegraaf. As of 2025, he brings that experience to GPblog as a seasoned editor.
During his active years as a journalist — now working as a freelancer — Marnik attended numerous events, with the Dutch Grand Prix standing out as one of the highlights. In addition to his work at GPblog, Marnik is also active in the communications sector at a major national provider and steps in wherever needed. Sitting still is not an option — especially not in motorsport!
Max Verstappen commented on his seventh-place qualifying finish and the unfortunate yellow flag incident that prevented him from improving his time in Q3.
Due to a yellow flag, Verstappen could not complete his final lap with a quick time, forcing him to start the GP of Austria, the home race of Red Bull, from P7.
Even the first round in Q3 was not enough, he explained at Viaplay. "The last lap... but the entire qualifying went absolutely nowhere. It was very difficult. There was no balance in the car, in not a single turn. So yes, not nice to drive."
Verstappen has little confidence in 'home race'
The balance of the Red Bull car compares to his father Jos Verstappen's rallying car. "I think if I look at the onboards of my father, it's the same with me", he says while laughing.
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The reigning world champion has only one goal: the first place. That is far from possible, with McLaren and Norris well on pole: "Five, six tenths, then it all doesn't matter anymore. I aim for first place, but then you're still five tenths behind. Dramatic, of course."
Verstappen helped a rival
When Verstappen's second lap had to be aborted anyway, he could still give Sauber-driver Bortoleto a tow. He was happy to do so. "My lap was already ruined, so I thought: I'll try to help him."
For the Austrian Grand Prix, the home race of Red Bull, he sees the chances as very low. "Today was a disaster. The McLarens are on a different level, and so are Ferrari and Mercedes. Then I think there's not much to hope for," is his expectation for the GP of Austria.
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