Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says he is “realistic” over his prospects and wants to halt his run of misfortune during Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone
Verstappen qualified in fifth place, substantially behind the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers, but clear of the midfield pack, and will move up to fourth on the grid as a result of Valtteri Bottas’ penalty.
Verstappen, though, is keeping level-headed, heaving retired from five of the past seven Grands Prix due to an array of issues, and is hoping to kick-start his flailing campaign.
“It was a lonely qualifying for me and we ended up pretty much exactly where I expected,” he said.
“We were lacking the speed and therefore unable to get close to the Mercedes and Ferraris but the car still felt good so I had fun out there. Fifth was the best we could have done today and I achieved that.
“I’ll start tomorrow in fourth which of course is better but I never like to rely on penalties for other people to help, I wish I was there just on pace.
“We shall wait and see what the weather brings tomorrow, hopefully some rain as I think I have a better chance of challenging for a podium in the wet.
“I want to be realistic and not dream so I’m hoping my luck has changed and I can have a good, fun race tomorrow and bring the car home.
“I am not talking about podiums or winning for now. If something happens to the cars in front then we can challenge for a better result.”
Team-mate Daniel Ricciardo led the way during the damp phase of Q1 but halted on track due to a suspected turbo failure and was unable to partake in the remainder of the session.
As conditions improved, Ricciardo slipped through the order and was eliminated from contention, and will line up from 19th place on the grid.
“I’m just disappointed not to show more of what we could do in qualifying as these conditions should have given us a bit more of an opportunity,” he said.
“We were quick straight out of the box today and I was P1 before the failure, so we look pretty good on the intermediate tyre.
“Tomorrow is where the points are, we’ve got to work hard to get back in there but it is what it is.”
