Verstappen says missed pole record 'not a big deal'

Max Verstappen anger after missing out on pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix had nothing to do with him missing out on the record for Formula 1's youngest pole-sitter. In what was likely Verstappen's final chance to take the record off Sebastian Vettel, the Dutchman was pipped right at the last by Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull are not expected to challenge for pole in Brazil or Abu Dhabi, while Verstappen will move beyond Vettel's age from his 2008 Monza pole over the winter break.

Verstappen's father, Jos, said that Ricciardo's celebrations had inspired his son to get the better of his teammate in Sunday's race.

However, the Dutchman says that the untimely return of an engine-breaking issue was the main source of his frustration.

"I was mainly very angry because of the problems I had with my engine during qualifying," Verstappen said.

"That weekend I was clearly fastest, but for 75 seconds I wasn't. I was literally pissed off.

"And of course every little thing that comes with it makes me even more angry.

"I wouldn't even say it… But I could literally do some damage to someone if somebody would say something wrong to me after qualifying, that angry I was. Every little thing makes it even worse.

"For me I was not really after the youngest pole record. I don't think Lewis [Hamilton] really cares that he's not the youngest polesitter, with five titles, you know what I mean? It's not a big deal.

"Just fighting for pole, that was the target.

"For me it felt like I never really had a great opportunity, compared to some other qualifying sessions where felt like it was great, a good feeling, and then you're only P3 or P5 sometimes, but it felt like it was a good session.

"This felt horrible, and then you're still second by such a small margin."

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