After breaking track regulations during qualifying, Max Verstappen will start the US Grand Prix from sixth place on the grid.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner believes that the United States Grand Prix will be made more “interesting” by Max Verstappen’s qualifying tribulations.
The Dutchman’s final effort in Q3 saw him jump to the head of the timesheets for pole position, only for it to be stripped after he was found guilty of exceeding track limits on the exit of Turn 19.
Verstappen dropped down to sixth place as a result with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc securing his third pole position of the season.
Speaking to Viaplay after the session, Horner said: “It looked like we had the pole.
“A small lock up at turn 1 put Max on the back foot, so he had to give absolutely everything.
“He tried, but unfortunately we didn’t quite do it today, but it makes for an interesting race on Sunday.”
Still an opportunity’
Red Bull has only been defeated across a race distance once this season when it struggled for form around the Singapore streets, allowing Ferrari to snatch the win.
Very few hiccups have marred Verstappen’s strong season, and Horner stressed how difficult it is to stay in top form all year.
“Having the car perfect across all spectrums is not easy,” he said.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get that final lap because he would have won the pole, but he didn’t, so we have some work to do from P6.”
Horner responded, “[It’s] harder, but always an opportunity,” when asked if the race victory was still a possibility.