Verstappen: Like Driving on Ice

“I really have difficulty getting the tires to work temperature. That's why it's so hard to keep the car on the track, and it's never really worked well for me. So, it's like driving on ice,” explained Verstappen to Formula 1.

The Formula 1 sprint qualifying session in China began with light rain in some sectors, but the drivers were still able to drive with medium compound tires. Verstappen also performed well, finishing in third position during SQ1. He then topped SQ2 as the rain became more widespread.

Also read: Lando Norris Becomes "Rain Master" for Shanghai F1 Sprint Qualifying Session

The third session of the sprint qualification began with a prediction of rain that would fall in the next five minutes. The drivers tried to get out on the track earliest to take advantage of the partially dry track conditions. However, the cold surface temperature of the asphalt made it impossible for the tires to reach their ideal temperature. Drivers started to take turns going out on the track, starting with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

When the rain really poured down, more and more racers left the track so the lap time was cancelled, including Verstappen. The Dutch racer was trying to set a solid lap time to improve his position, which was in ninth place when his car went off-track in turn six. He then proceeded with caution in the qualifying round and could only occupy seventh position.

At the same time, Mercedes racer, Lewis Hamilton, set the fastest lap and was impressed that he would achieve his first pole position since the 2023 Hungarian series. Verstappen then made a fast lap and finished second, but his time was crossed out because he had the advantage of the position of the car that came out at Turn 16. Verstappen was finally able to make a clean lap, but could only occupy the fourth starting position.

Also read: After Suzuka, Verstappen Eyes Shanghai

Pole position was won by McLaren racer, Lando Norris, displacing Hamilton into second place, and the third starting position was won by Aston Martin racer, Fernando Alonso. Norris' best lap time was also removed, but was later restored because he did not gain an advantage when his car went out at Turn 16.

For Verstappen, starting from fourth position is not an ideal position due to its position on the inside. However, he still feels happy because of the very difficult situation he faced during qualifying.

"That is why I think our position during qualification is quite reasonable. The car just didn't work properly for me in wet conditions. Although in dry conditions, I think we looked quite good. So, of course, I am quite happy with it," said Verstappen.

Regarding the potential to lead the race at the start, Verstappen considers that the fourth position is quite risky due to the slippery track conditions after four years without an F1 race. Moreover, there are some parts of the track with a slippery bitumen layer.

Also read: Hamilton Surprised by Mercedes W15 Performance

"Yes, definitely. Here is not an ideal start on the inside. There is a low grip on the left side to the right with a painted asphalt (covered in bitumen). So, we have to try to do the start as best as we can, and then, of course, in my opinion, it will be a long lap with one set of tires in the sprint. However, it makes it quite interesting," said Verstappen.

Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, who started from sixth position, remained optimistic about being competitive in the short race on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. He showed his potential in SQ1 where he recorded the fastest lap. However, in SQ3, he faced difficulties like Verstappen.

"According to me, we are in a good position. We are confident right from the start. I have a good momentum with the car. So, in any condition, we can be competitive from now on, so it is very promising," stated Perez, the Mexican racer.

Perez started from the third row, alongside Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz Junior, in fifth position. Meanwhile, Leclerc started in seventh position, on the same row as McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri.