Verstappen: Spin not to blame for missing pole

Max Verstappen is adamant a late spin was not to blame for him failing to match the blistering pole position time of Lewis Hamilton in qualifying for the Styrian Grand Prix.

As with last week's Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver will again line up second on the grid on Sunday, albeit a seismic 1.2secs adrift of Hamilton in his Mercedes following a dramatic wet-weather session at the Red Bull Ring.

It is likely Verstappen would at least have closed that gap with his last lap as he had set personal best times in the first two sectors before the spin in the final part of the track.

"I think overall it was a good qualifying,” said Verstappen. “In Q3 it was raining a lot more, and it seemed like we were struggling a bit more in the really wet conditions.

"I was just aquaplaning a lot more and I couldn’t really put the power down in some combined corners. It was not easy.

"I tried to be a bit closer to the guy ahead to stay in his tracks, to have a little bit less water, but anyway, I think P2 is still good.

“It was just very tricky out there and, of course, the last lap would have been better. I don’t think it was enough to beat Lewis, but the pace overall was quite good.”

From second spot on the grid, Verstappen is confident he can take the fight to Mercedes, particularly with the race expected to take place in dry conditions.

“I think in the dry we can have a good shot at it," said Verstappen, who retired early in last week's race with an electrical issue.

"I think the car, in general, is better than last week, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Before you go...

Sensational Hamilton claims Styrian GP pole in dramatic wet qualifying

Hamilton: "I love these days"

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