Verstappen hopeful: 'We are faster on the straights'

Max Verstappen failed to secure pole position in France. The Dutchman was only second fastest and will therefore have to put up with Charles Leclerc on Sunday afternoon. After the race, he was disappointed with the result but remained hopeful.

With Verstappen's last win coming in Canada, the reigning world champion hopes to be back on the top podium soon. To do so, he needs to get past Leclerc in the race. Verstappen knows he has a difficult task ahead of him.

"FP3 is not qualifying clearly," said Verstappen, who finished this practice session winning. "We were lacking a bit of grip in qualifying. It was a bit trickier than I had hoped, but overall we still have a decent race car and hopefully, it will come to our favour."

Indeed, the driver is still hopeful for the race. "We are quicker on the straights, so hopefully we can use that. We'll see about that tomorrow. It will be hot and they will be quick." His teammate Sergio Perez will start from third position.