Verstappen: "It wasn't a perfect lap"

Max Verstappen insists that his lap in Q3 was not perfect, despite it being enough to beat both Mercedes drivers and secure his first pole position since Brazil 2019. The Dutchman edged out Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton to deny Mercedes pole in the final race of the season by less than a tenth.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport after qualifying, Verstappen said: "Yes, very happy about it. If you make mistakes you will quickly be punished. It wasn't a perfect lap, you never have that. As long as it's good enough. In the end we still have one pole position this year so I'm happy with that.