Max Verstappen is baffled by the loss of grip during Q3, yet the performance in Austin highlights the significant advancements Red Bull has made.
In Austin, the contest for pole position initially seemed likely to be a showdown between Max Verstappen and Ferrari. However, by the conclusion of qualifying, the Scuderia failed to place either driver in the top three, while Kimi Antonelli emerged as an unexpected competitor.
Verstappen accepted a second-place finish, making it clear during the Dutch media session in the paddock that while he could certainly be content with that starting spot, there remained additional potential to tap into.
This was particularly evident during his Q2 lap that left his competitors impressed. On a set of worn tyres, the Dutchman outpaced some drivers from rival top teams on fresh tyres, making a third consecutive pole position seem attainable.
When asked by Motorsport.com why the scenario in Q3 differed so significantly from the second qualifying segment, the four-time world champion elaborated:
"I just didn't have the same grip anymore. It's as straightforward as that. I simply couldn't maintain the speed I wanted through the slow corners anymore. That's something we definitely need to analyze, as there was surely more potential left. I just couldn't extract it from the car in Q3."
The wind seems to have played a crucial role in that narrative. In the final moments of Q3, many drivers struggled with strong gusts, which explains why only three managed to improve on their second runs. Lando Norris mentioned experiencing the worst wind gusts he'd ever faced while driving, which caused him to lock up despite braking earlier as a precaution.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
However, Verstappen clarified that the wind could not fully account for the disappointing outcome in Q3.
"On the last run, the wind was particularly bad, but it wasn't an issue on the first run. So I don't quite grasp why it turned out so disappointing. Still, if that's enough for second place, then that's fine."
Ferrari's performance also waned in Q3, with Charles Leclerc—like George Russell—pointing to increased cloudiness and dropping track temperatures, which pushed the Pirelli tyres slightly out of their optimal operating range.
Red Bull's Resilience on Tough Days
Qualifying in Austin was nonetheless revealing about the strides Red Bull has made in recent weeks, especially following the Baku upgrade. On a day when neither driver felt particularly satisfied with the car's performance, the team still managed to secure second and third positions on the grid.
This stands in stark contrast to the first half of the season when Red Bull often found themselves slipping to seventh and eighth on challenging days—right at the back of the leading quartet.
Verstappen acknowledged this shift and noted that qualifying in Austin was indicative of the team's recent revival.
"Yes, absolutely. The car has certainly improved over the past few weekends, that's evident. And as I've mentioned in previous weekends, some circuits will naturally suit us better than others. I think this one is still acceptable, but I believe Singapore and Malaysia were clearly more favorable for our car."
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Nonetheless, Verstappen's race pace in Austin appeared more than respectable on Friday, instilling confidence as he looked ahead to Sunday.
"Typically, yes. It's a bit challenging to determine who's genuinely the fastest in race pace, but over the past few weekends, it's been quite promising for us. I hope the setup we have on the car is the correct direction for the race."
The start remains a significant uncertainty for Red Bull, although second place on the grid's inside lane presents opportunities if Verstappen can execute a strong getaway.
"Yes, but I don't dwell on that too much. If an overtake occurs at the first corner, then it happens. And if not, it's still a long race where many factors can play out positively or negatively. With a good balance and sufficient speed in the car, you can navigate here through strategy or even by overtaking someone on the track."
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