Verstappen passed Hamilton with an “absolutely crazy” performance, who admitted that he didn’t have it – ŠPORT.sk

He was surprised mainly because Red Bull took the Verstappen pressure at the last minute. The team did so in order for the Dutchman to be able to match the power of the supermotor that drives Lewis Hamilton’s monopost on the straights.

“I thought it was one of Max’s best laps of the season,” Horner told the British channel Sky Sports F1. “We took the pressure off because it was the only way we could match them on the straights. After Q1, I thought we couldn’t give times like Lewis. But since Q2, we have started to prosper. “

Verstappen was also helped to lead by 371 thousandths of a second by his Red Bull colleague Sergio Pérez, who made an air curtain for him on the straight. He slowed deliberately, then pulled Verstappen behind him and angle in front of the braking zone.

“It was an absolutely perfect teamwork,” Horner praised himself. “It simply came to our notice then. Checo then sacrificed the optimal bike in favor of Max and gave him performance. Either way, it didn’t bring us half a second, but only one or two tenths. Overall, I think that given the amount of pressure, Max gave a crazy last sector. Absolutely crazy. “

One of the problems may be that Verstappen will start with soft tires after braking from Q2. Hamilton will wear more durable media. Will it be a disadvantage?

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Source: reuters

“When we debated it in the morning, we perceived it 50:50. We are not disappointed from the start on soft tires. OK, the media are more robust, but overall we don’t know what kind of degradation we will experience in the race. It will be very interesting to see how it turns out. “ added Christian Horner.

The quality of Verstappen’s round was also recognized by his opponent. “It was a really fantastic round that we couldn’t answer.” said the seven-time world champion. “But I think thanks to the tires we are in a good position before the race.”

“On the first try (in the final part of the qualification) I lost some time in the fifth corner. However, the last round was nice and clean, I couldn’t go faster. I don’t know if it was about preparing tires, but I didn’t have one for his time today. He deserves pole position. We will stand together in the first place, we have other tires and overall I am glad to see him, “ Hamilton added.

“I’m incredibly happy.” Verstappen responded. “It simply came to our notice then. However, looking at their form from the last few races, it is clear that it will not be easy. I’m already looking forward to the race, because that’s the most important thing. It will be important to start well, go your own race and do the maximum. We’ll see what it takes. “

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will start on Sunday at 14:00. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton currently have 369.5 points each.