It was a gamble and it paid off. We had to go for two laps in Q3, which was definitely not the plan before. But with Lando crashing, it was the only option we had. Luckily, it worked out and we were able to secure pole position.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: It was incredibly tight at the end there. Max had to execute two perfect laps and he did just that. It was a team effort and we managed to get the most out of the situation.
With Verstappen now in pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the pressure is on McLaren and Mercedes to try and catch up in the race. It promises to be an exciting battle for the championship lead.
Overall, it seems like the decision-making process around whether to attempt one or two runs in qualifying was a key factor in determining the outcome of the session. Verstappen’s ability to handle the pressure and deliver two strong laps ultimately paid off, while other teams and drivers may have missed out by opting for a more conservative approach. It just goes to show how important strategy and decision-making can be in the world of Formula 1 racing.
So, it’s going to be interesting to see how people manage their tyres. But, I’m feeling confident and I’m going to give it my all.
With the championship battle heating up between Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, and Russell, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling race with plenty of strategic battles on track.
Who will come out on top and take the victory in Jeddah? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be an exciting race to watch.