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Max Verstappen

Verstappen sets podium target after Belgian GP grid drop

Max Verstappen — Photo: © LAT Images
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Verstappen sets podium target after Belgian GP grid drop

Verstappen was fastest in qualifying but will start 15th on Sunday

Max Verstappen has set the target of a podium in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix after a grid penalty will see him drop from first to 15th.

The championship leader is one of five drivers to have been handed a back-of-the-grid penalty at Spa Francorchamps for taking power unit components beyond the prescribed limit.

But this did not deter him in qualifying as he put in a session-topping one-minute 43.665secs to beat Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz by 0.632s.

Now aware he will start from 15th, Red Bull driver Verstappen remains confident of his ability to collect some silverware in the grand prix.

"We need to move forward, especially with a car like this it would be a shame not to be on the podium," said Verstappen.

The Dutchman will line up alongside championship rival Charles Leclerc after the Monégasque ended qualifying fourth but with an identical penalty.

Reflecting on his weekend thus far, Verstappen added: "It was an amazing qualifying but I think already the whole weekend we have been on it.

"The car has been working really well and it just came down to trying to fine-tune it and it all came together in qualifying.

"Of course, I had to be a bit careful with the amount of tyres that I was using also looking for tomorrow, starting at the back. But I'm very happy with my lap."

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