Verstappen analyses: 'That would have helped of course'

Max Verstappen must try to beat Charles Leclerc from second place in Sunday afternoon's French Grand Prix. With Sergio Perez behind him, the reigning world champion is full of confidence, he revealed in an interview with Viaplay.

Ferrari opted to let Carlos Sainz, who had to start the race from the back due to a grid penalty, drive in front of Leclerc during qualifying. As a result, the Monegasque managed to secure pole position. According to Verstappen, his team could have done the same.

"Of course, that would have helped," he states, after which he also discusses the downside. "Checo and I try to get the best out of qualifying because we don't have any penalties. And at Ferrari, Carlos has a penalty anyway. So I understand why they do that."

The problems in qualifying are not new to Red Bull. "At the beginning of the season, it was more understeer. But in general, these cars are less predictable over one lap. That makes it a bit trickier. On the other hand, it's the same with everyone, so you have to adapt."