The Red Bull driver went into qualifying having topped both FP2 and FP3 and, despite also going fastest in Q2, he lost out to Charles Leclerc in the pole position shootout by 0.123 seconds.
The defending F1 world champion conceded his Red Bull car balance wasn’t perfect in Q3 but hinted it could have been down to his team focusing on a stronger set-up for the race compared to qualifying.
Verstappen was also heard over team radio unhappy about being told to do a slower preparation lap in his first Q3 run.
“I think it was a bit hit and miss, Q2 seemed quite good and Q3 was a bit of a struggle to get the balance together but nevertheless I think it was alright,” Verstappen said.
“We have a good car as well and, at the end of the day, that is the most important and it’s a good day. It’s a good start to be here.
“Not fantastic but also not too bad, otherwise you cannot be in this position, so there are a few things to look into and try to extract to be better for next time.
“You want…
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