Max Verstappen has detailed the intense pressure he felt during the qualifying session for the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City. Despite a difficult start, Verstappen secured second position on the grid.

Held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a track renowned for its high altitude and demanding conditions, the Mexican Grand Prix presents unique challenges for Formula 1 drivers. Altitude has a significant impact on engine performance and aerodynamics. Verstappen, who had his first Q3 lap time deleted for exceeding track limits, managed to rise to the occasion during the second lap.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took pole position with a lap time of 1:15.946, making him the only driver to break the 1:16 barrier. Reflecting on his start just behind Sainz, explained Verstappen:

“Quite a lot (pressure after the deleted lap).

“Yesterday I barely did many laps so I played a lot of catching up. FP3 wasn’t very good already so I was already under a lot of pressure to have a good qualification and it took my lap time .So it added a bit more pressure, but happy to be in first place, I honestly didn’t think it would be possible.

“It’s probably one of the hardest tracks to get (a lap) right. Street circuits are difficult, and so is this one, because the reduced downforce makes it easier to stall or slide. Tires overheat. It is one of the most difficult calendars.”

Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate and home hero Sergio Perez suffered a disappointing qualifying session. The Mexican driver was eliminated in Q1, leaving him with an eighteenth starting position tomorrow. Speaking to the press after his early exit, Perez explained:

“Very hard, very hard to stop the car. I just couldn’t get over her. I couldn’t stop the car soon enough and put too much energy into the tire braking. This was the main problem. for me.

“It was very similar to the rest of the weekend. I just can’t stop the car and I really struggle with that part of the phase going into low gear, it’s a bit similar to Austin when I just can’t attack. cornering under braking and you have a lot of that here.”

1. Carlos Sainz
2. Max Verstappen
3. Lando Norris
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Kevin Magnussen
8. Pierre Gasly
9. Alex Albon
10. Nico Hulkenberg
11. Yuki Tsunoda
12. Liam Lawson
13. Fernando Alonso
14. Lance Stroll
15. Valtteri Bottas
16. Franco Colapinto
17. Oscar Piastri
18. Sergio Perez
19. Esteban Ocon
20. Zhou Guanyu