Verstappen: Russell’s Hungary F1 pole ‘nice for me as well’

Max Verstappen says that George Russell’s pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix is “nice for me as well”.

Russell took his first career pole position on Saturday, besting the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to the top spot.

Verstappen endured a more difficult day, with his Q3 session undone by a Power Unit problem that halted him from completing a final hot lap.

The Dutchman currently has a healthy lead in the Drivers’ Championship, with Charles Leclerc his closest challenger in second place, 63 points behind.

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With Russell starting ahead of his nearest rival, Verstappen admits that the situation is positive for him after his challenging day.

“I was surprised to see it,” Verstappen said of Russell’s pace. “They were close but I didn’t expect them to make that jump in Q3, but it was nice for me as well.

“It’s going to be a bit tough for me but anything is possible. I think a lot of Sunday’s have already show that this year, but round here it is hard to pass. We will stay patient and see what happens.”

Verstappen was only seventh after his first run, as he locked up into Turn 2 which derailed his effort.

“Maybe the outlap was a bit slow [before the first hot lap], but then you know normally your second run is OK because you have another shot at it,” Verstappen said. “Unfortunately we couldn’t do that lap.

“I’m just disappointed that these things happen. There are always weekends when you are not the quickest or whatever and you can lose points. 

“It’s natural, it’s normal. But we actually had a really quick car today and you have to maximise it and be up there. Even if it’s one, two three, you have to be up there but not P10.”

Verstappen is set to line-up alongside Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who failed to advance past Q2 and ended up in 11th.