Verstappen: This 'feels like a win'

Verstappen says second 'feels like a win'

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Saturday 15 September 2018 16:40

Max Verstappen said his second place in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix felt like a victory. Verstappen matched his qualifying performance from a year ago at Marina Bay, despite battling power unit issues on his Red Bull throughout Saturday.

The Dutchman was denied a result 12 months ago after getting tangled between Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen before the first corner.

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Verstappen came into the weekend suggesting that Red Bull were suffering an even greater power deficit to Mercedes and Ferrari this year, and his frustration was clear as he claimed his Renault power unit was unexpectedly engine braking.

Regardless, he was the only driver to hang onto Lewis Hamilton's coattails, coming in three tenths behind the pole-sitter.

"This feels like a victory," Verstappen said.

"The amount of problems I've had today with the engine, not having a smooth run, to be second is unbelievable. It just shows we have an amazing car.

"We just have to make sure we have a clean start and from there on anything is possible. We need to sort out the engine for tomorrow but at least I'm happy with the car."

Having been denied any chance last year, Verstappen is hopeful of his chances of banking a big result in the race.

"It all depends on the start," he added.

"If you can take the lead you have a chance and also it depends on the safety cars but second gives you a better opportunity than fifth or sixth."