A good start will give us opportunities - Verstappen

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Max Verstappen will be lining up third on tomorrow's Mexican GP grid but the Red Bull driver - along with team mate Daniel Ricciardo - will be starting on the SuperSoft tyres, therefore approaching his race with an aggressive stance.

The Dutchman was a front runner in the first two segments of quali and was the first to set a benchmark time in Q3. But a clean shot at pole was always going to be a difficult proposition.

"Generally, qualifying was good, and I've had a good feeling with the car all weekend," said Max.

"It was getting better and better, it's just a shame in Q3 that we couldn't get the lap together otherwise I think P2 would definitely have been possible.

"But we're not too far behind and we have a different strategy for tomorrow as well, so it will be interesting."

Asked about Red Bull's contrarian strategy compared to its main rivals, Verstappen insisted the choice to start the race on Pirelli's SuperSoft compound rather than its Soft tyre was never a close call.

He did admit however that the onus would be put on himself to make the most out of the strategy.

"There's more degradation than with the Soft tyres so it's up to me and with the car balance to make it last as long as we can.

"But if we get a good start we'll have some opportunities from there onward."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.