Verstappen questions Red Bull qualifying pace after missing Austin pole
Max Verstappen said Red Bull need to understand an unusual qualifying pattern after he missed out on pole in Austin. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli took the top spot, while Verstappen said his car felt better on used tyres.
Ferrari had led all three practice sessions in Texas, but pole position did not go their way. Instead, Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli prevented Max Verstappen from taking what would have been his third consecutive pole of the season.
After qualifying, Verstappen said Red Bull need to investigate a loss of pace in Q3. He described the situation as very odd and said the car felt better on used tyres, leaving him baffled after missing out on pole.
His comments pointed to a performance pattern Red Bull now need to explain. The main question from Verstappen was why the car appeared stronger on used tyres than in the decisive final phase of qualifying.
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