Verstappen targets P5 after qualifying crash

Max Verstappen is targeting a fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix, despite having to start 15th after crashing in qualifying. The Red Bull spun out of turn two in Sakhir during the first qualifying session and ended up crumpled into the wall.

Although Ferrari cemented their standing as one-lap best as Sebastian Vettel led Kimi Raikkonen in a front-row lockout, Verstappen had delivered the top long-run pace in Friday practice.

However, it is hugely unlikely that the Dutchman will be able to put that pace to use in chasing victory.

He will not be the only front-runner cutting through the field with Lewis Hamilton to start from ninth after taking a gearbox penalty.

Verstappen explained that a sudden surge of power caught him out while he was touring the track.

"It was unfortunate. I studied the data and suddenly we had a 150 horsepower increase which is a bit odd because the corner is not flat out so you are just juggling the throttle," he told Sky Sports.

Things didn't quite go to plan for @Max33Verstappen in qualifying... ???? ???? #BahrainGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/KsqmQZEbsI — Formula 1 (@F1) April 7, 2018

"It was like an on and off switch and suddenly is span the rear tyres up quite aggressively and I spun.

"I didn't expect it at all. 150 horsepower when you think you are on the limit is quite a lot.

"It should be alright tomorrow. Up to P5 should be alright. A little bit of luck with a Safety Car would be nice."

A spin also cost Verstappen in Australia as he erred while chasing Kevin Magnussen for fourth place.

Red Bull team principal dismissed a suggestion that Verstappen's errors were due to him feeling any extra pressure.

"I haven't spoken to Max yet," he said. "We were doing another lap to get the engine to learn a little bit more in order to optimise it's setting and the rear has got away from him.

"The damage is fairly superficial. It's not damaged the chassis but it's annoying it's happened then in qualifying.

"He looked quick this morning and it's an opportunity lost today but he will get his head down tomorrow and race hard. This track you can overtake at so we will see."