Verstappen aiming to 'finish off' unfinished business in Brazil

Max Verstappen is aiming to end the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix on a high on Sunday by taking victory for Red Bull.

The Dutchman claimed pole position for the race on Saturday, beating Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by over one-tenth of a second to claim his second pole of the year.

12 months ago at Interlagos, Verstappen was set to win the race before he came together with Esteban Ocon, who was attempting to un-lap himself, costing the Red Bull driver the lead of the race.

Speaking about his qualifying session, Verstappen says the changing track temperature made the day tricky, but is nonetheless pleased with his effort. 

"The car was really good," Verstappen stated. "Throughout qualifying, the track temperature was changing a bit so we had to adjust to that. But straight away from Q1 the car was flying and it was really enjoyable to drive, so I'm really happy with this pole position."

Verstappen jumped to the top of the timesheets after the first run of laps in Q3, despite making a mistake at the exit of Turn 9.

"I tried a different line but also the track was a bit warmer so it gave me a bit more understeer, so I went a bit wide," Verstappen said of the incident. "But the second lap was luckily a bit better. We'll try to finish it off now."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hailed Verstappen, claiming that the 22-year-old perfectly hooked up the car in qualifying trim. 

"I think he just got the car hooked up really," Horner said. "The whole package has been working really well. The circuit got a little tricky at the end there.

"It was difficult to improve and he just got those last little bit of gains and he got it. We have got a good car and we have been a contender for pole in the last three races.

"All credit to Honda they are doing a great job. This circuit is at altitude and they are doing a great job."

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Netherlands
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), Netherlands
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar