Max Verstappen has downplayed the significance of outqualifying Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo for the first time at the British Grand Prix.
The Dutchman was third quickest in Q3, going three tenths faster than the Australian, as Red Bull locked out the second row on the grid.
Since his promotion from Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen has often admitted he had yet to put everything together on Saturday afternoon. The 18-year-old was pleased to do just that at Silverstone.
“In general, we were a bit unlucky in the last two qualifying,” Verstappen said. “The race pace was always very promising and it all went well.
“It’s good to be in front [of Ricciardo]. Every team-mate wants that. In terms [of it being] a boost I don’t see the mental side in it. I just try to do my best and that’s it. We go to the race and try to score a lot of points and get on the podium.”
Verstappen finished over one second adrift of pole sitter Lewis Hamilton but Red Bull confirmed it has the advantage over Ferrari so far this weekend.
“The car was performing as it should be,” the youngest winner in F1 history added. “We were very strong compared to some competitors behind us. I can be very happy with P3 because those guys [Mercedes] in qualifying they seem to have a turbo or something.
“I think if I keep my position I will be very happy because Mercedes are a bit too strong first but we’ll try to keep up. Our long run pace was good [in practice] so hopefully we can do the same, even better in the race and score some good points for the team and catch up to Ferrari in the championship.”
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