Max Verstappen reveals strategy benefit of qualifying gamble

Dutch Grand Prix

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Verstappen reveals strategy benefit of qualifying gamble

Verstappen will start from pole position at his home race

Sam Hall

Sunday 4 September 2022 09:10

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Max Verstappen believes a gamble in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix now adds weight to his bid for a second successive victory at Zandvoort.

The Red Bull driver beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to pole position by just 0.021secs in a thrilling top-10 shoot-out.

But the groundwork was laid in the first two sessions as Verstappen only used one set of tyres in each to escape, while Ferrari pair Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in fourth all used two sets.

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That now gives Verstappen a fresh set of tyres for the race, opening up a number of strategy options for the race.

"I did a long run on Saturday morning and it looked good, so I was happy with the car and with the tyres," said Verstappen. "I think we have an extra new set [of softs] for tomorrow for my car.

"I don't know how we look compared to Ferrari but it gives us a few more options for ourselves for tomorrow."

Verstappen hails Zandvoort atmosphere

Qualifying was marred by a pair of incidents that saw flares thrown onto the track, one of which resulted in Q2 being red-flagged.

Verstappen was quick to brand the culprits "stupid". It was quickly confirmed the person responsible had been ejected from the circuit.

Asked if he has been able to enjoy racing in his home country, Verstappen added: "Yeah, I am enjoying it.

"Of course, on Friday, I was not enjoying it as much on the track but everything besides it, it's just great to see the atmosphere.

"Everyone is having fun, a good time and then when we are driving, they love Formula 1 cars as well so for me, it is definitely a very special weekend."