Marko Expected Pole for Verstappen in Las Vegas, Cites Timing Issues

Red Bull's top advisor, Helmut Marko, had high hopes for Max Verstappen to secure pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying, especially after strong showings in Q1 and Q2. However, timing issues in the crucial final lap prevented Verstappen from claiming the top spot, leaving him to start P2 alongside Lando Norris.

Why it matters:

• A pole position in Las Vegas would have given Verstappen a significant advantage on a new, challenging street circuit, especially in potentially mixed conditions.
• Red Bull's pursuit of perfection, even after securing both championships, highlights their relentless competitive drive.
• The outcome sets up an intriguing front-row battle between Verstappen and Norris, promising an exciting start to the race.

The details:

• Missed Opportunity: Marko stated, "After Q1 and Q2 we actually expected pole position, but in terms of timing it didn't work out. We missed the final lap, the one Lando did manage to put in."
• Verstappen's Perspective: The four-time world champion described the Las Vegas track as being like an "ice rink," emphasizing the extreme difficulty of driving on it during qualifying.
• Front Row Grid: Despite missing pole, Verstappen will start second, positioned directly next to Lando Norris (McLaren), who secured pole.
• Top Three: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) will start third, directly behind Verstappen, setting up a competitive initial phase of the race.

Looking Ahead:

While pole position eluded Red Bull, starting from the front row still places Verstappen in an excellent position to challenge for the win. The unique conditions and unknown race dynamics of the Las Vegas Grand Prix suggest that strategy and driver skill will be paramount, making Verstappen a strong contender from P2. The race promises to be unpredictable, with McLaren and Ferrari also showing strong pace.