Verstappen warns of challenging Dutch GP despite Zandvoort pole

Max Verstappen is expecting a challenging Dutch Grand Prix despite qualifying on pole position at hard-to-overtake Zandvoort.

Verstappen looked as though he was cruising to pole by a wide margin but Lewis Hamilton closed to within 0.038secs by the end of Q3, setting up a tantalising prospect at the Red Bull driver's home race.

Explaining his feelings after securing the 10th pole of his F1 career, and sixth in the last seven races, Verstappen said: "It's an amazing feeling to get pole position here.

"The crowd is incredible and today was very enjoyable. The car was really nice to drive and this track, when most of the fuel comes out, it is really cool.

"Today was a good step forward compared to yesterday. Very happy in general with how today went, no big problems so very happy with that."

Overtaking is expected to be at a premium given the tight and twisting nature of the Zandvoort circuit coupled with high-speed sweepers that will create turbulent air for following cars.

Verstappen warned the job was not yet done with a tough 72 laps to be completed.

"It is still very difficult to pass here, even in qualifying everyone was trying to find the gap, not like some other tracks where everyone is trying to find the tow," he explained.

"I do think it is going to be tough but also it is quite tough on tyres around here with all the high-speed corners so it is not a very straightforward race, there are a lot of laps around here but of course, it is important to be up front."

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