Verstappen only focused on cars ahead after qualifying fourth

70th Anniversary Grand Prix

Verstappen only focused on cars ahead after qualifying fourth

Verstappen hoping for clean start on hard tyre

Ewan Gale

Saturday 8 August 2020 17:35 Updated: 18:45

Red Bull's Max Verstappen is confident his gamble of setting his Q2 time on the hard tyre will pay off as long as he can make a clean getaway at the start of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Eventually qualifying in fourth behind Nico Hülkenberg's Racing Point, Verstappen will be the only driver in the top 10 to start on the harder compound.

Having started last Sunday's British Grand Prix on a harder compound than everyone else, the Dutchman is optimistic about his chances and has written off the challenge of the congested midfield behind.

"I just hope that I can have a clean start on the hard tyre," Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.

"I mean, the hard tyre was the medium last week, so I don't think it is going to be that bad compared to what they are starting on.

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"Of course, you might lose a little bit in the initial launch but I think it's going to be better for just the first stint.

"My start last week was good. Even compared to the cars behind me who were on softs, so we just need to make sure we have a good launch again and, to be honest, I don't expect too many issues with the cars that are behind me."

Last weekend's race saw strategies adjusted following two early safety car periods and forced teams to make their pitstops earlier than planned.

Verstappen believes the second race of the Silverstone double-header could also be affected by another safety car appearance and hopes his strategy call can pay off in Sunday's race.

"It depends also on if we have safety cars or not but we'll just have to wait and see.

"At least it's different to what other people are doing around me, let's see if we can do a better job."

Before you go...

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