Verstappen started qualifying with mixed feelings: 'Make the best of it'

Max Verstappen was visibly affected by the sad news about Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz after qualifying for the US Grand Prix. In the interview with Viaplay, he says the news hit the whole team hard.

"Of course the news came out just before qualifying and that took its toll on everyone. That makes things a bit more difficult of course, but in the end you have to move on and try to make the best of it", says Verstappen.

In qualifying, he had to settle for third place, which turns into second on Sunday due to Charles Leclerc's grid penalty. However, Verstappen is not dissatisfied. "Qualifying in itself went well, it was just very difficult to get the tyres working optimally over one lap," he reveals.

"Sometimes it just doesn't come out quite right and then you're third because it's always very close anyway. So in the end it doesn't matter that much, I think we will have a pretty good race car tomorrow anyway and that's what it's all about of course," the two-time world champion said.