Verstappen helped Perez in qualifying: 'That's what we had agreed'

Max Verstappen convincingly secured the pole position in qualifying in Abu Dhabi and in Q3 he spent energy to help teammate Sergio Perez secure a good starting position, in which the Mexican eventually succeeded, to the satisfaction of the Dutchman.

"It couldn't have been better, of course, but it was tough for a while," Verstappen stated in conversation with Viaplay. While the Dutchman had a good Q1, things went wrong in the next session. The driver suddenly completely lost the feeling and therefore feared a disappointing qualifying session. In the final session, however, the problems were gone again. "Then again everything was solved, so it was a bit unusual," he said.

Verstappen is therefore happy with pole position. However, Perez's performance in qualifying was also important for him. Perez needs to finish ahead of Charles Leclerc this weekend to secure second place in the world championship. The two-time world champion helped him with a tow in the final run.

"That's what we had agreed. We gave him the choice at the beginning of the weekend what he wanted. He wanted to start behind me and that was the plan," stated Verstappen, who may want to help his teammate in the race. "It all depends on how he stands with Leclerc. He has to finish in front of him and that's what it's all about."