Verstappen takes Red Bull’s first pole with its own engine

Max Verstappen was fastest in every qualifying segment and took pole position, giving Red Bull its first pole with its own engine, RacingNews365 reported on 3 October. Afterwards, he was asked whether finding that one-lap pace had required compromises that might hurt him in the race.

Verstappen said he was confident in the choices he had made. If others had made bigger sacrifices for qualifying, he added, he wished them luck.

Lewis Hamilton said his team had focused on its own work. He described its long-run pace as acceptable but its car balance as imperfect, and hoped the car would improve for the race. He also expected following another car and overtaking to be difficult.

Verstappen expects the heat to test drivers, cars, brakes and tyres. He said he felt confident so far, but could not predict who would manage those demands best in the race.