Verstappen keen to ‘see what we can do’ from P3 on grid in Spain as he admits McLaren will be ‘tough to beat’

Max Verstappen is looking forward to seeing what might be possible from P3 on the grid at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the Dutchman admitting that he will try his best whilst acknowledging that McLaren seem “tough to beat”.

The papaya team continued their strong run of form throughout Qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, resulting in Oscar Piastri grabbing pole position ahead of team mate Lando Norris in the final moments.

Verstappen, however, was one of the team’s closest challengers across the session and ended Q3 in third place. The Red Bull driver set an identical lap time to Mercedes’ George Russell, but placed ahead of the Briton due to putting his lap in first.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 31: Pole position qualifier Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren Second — Verstappen proved to be one of McLaren’s closest challengers in Qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, with the Dutchman set to line up just behind Piastri and Norris

Asked after Qualifying if the performance had been the maximum that the RB21 could deliver, Verstappen reflected: “I guess so. I think we were lacking all weekend compared to them, but I think we executed it well and that third position is where we more or less should be.

“It’s quite close behind as well so it’s fun around here, squeezing everything out of the car. The grip is always quite good even with the hot temperatures, but let’s see tomorrow what we can do from there.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Relive the Qualifying action as Piastri snatches pole position from Norris in Spain

The World Champion went on to say that the squad had not done “too much” work overnight, adding: “I think we had a decent Friday actually, and we just made some final changes to the car.

Verstappen admits Red Bull didn’t have ‘enough to fight for pole’ in Spain

“Of course, unfortunately it wasn’t enough to really challenge for the pole, but it’s okay.”

And in terms of whether he has a good race car beneath him for Sunday’s race in Barcelona – a circuit that he has previously taken victory at on four occasions – Verstappen vowed to give it his all but suggested that it could be difficult to take the fight to McLaren.

“I’ll try my best, but they will be tough to beat,” the 27-year-old said. “We’ll see what we can do tomorrow.”