Verstappen has "no pace", shares damning prediction for Sunday

While the Dutchman will start ahead of Oscar Piastri, who only qualified eighth, his other championship rival, Lando Norris, will line up on pole position.

Verstappen explained after the session that the team couldn’t find the extra pace needed to claim for pole for the fourth time in the last five Grands Prix.

He said in Mexico: "It’s just been very difficult. We tried a lot of stuff, [it’s] not a lack of trying. It’s been not great, let’s say it like that."

Looking ahead, the Red Bull driver does not expect to gain positions on Sunday.

He continued: "I have no pace so it doesn’t matter what I do in Turn 1, even if I jump two cars, they will get me in the race.

Similarly to the Circuit of the Americas, where there was a start incident in Turn 1 during the Sprint, the Mexican track also has a history of clashes into the first corner.

Verstappen concluded: "You don’t need to tell me that! I’m experienced enough to know what to do and what not."

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.

Don't forget to follow us on Spotify as well!