Right before the end of Q3, Lewis Hamilton snatched a provisional pole. This meant that pressure was on championship leader Max Verstappen. And the Red Bull driver was truly flying on his final flying lap, putting in purple in the first and middle sectors. It seemed like he would surely snatch the pole position.

Agonizingly, Verstappen locked up in the very final corner, showed impatience, stepped on the throttle, and hit the wall as he tried to make his way through. This resulted in significant damage to his right rear suspension, but also potentially and crucially to his gearbox. Potentially, because it hasn’t been confirmed yet. And crucially, because a change in the gearbox will definitely result in a grid penalty for Verstappen.

And starting from the back because of a grid penalty is the last thing Red Bull and Verstappen would want.

In the post-qualifying interview, Verstappen was asked about his gearbox and the Dutchman’s knowledge of that is as limited as everyone else’s at the moment. “I don’t know,” he said.

So as of now, Verstappen may or may not get a grid penalty depending if or on what level his gearbox has suffered damage.

Max Verstappen describes P3 as disappointing

After the incident, Verstappen expressed disappointment and stated that the last corner left him feeling terrible. He said that he was aware of the car’s pace, yet qualifying behind a Mercedes front-row lockout is disappointing, regardless.

He said, “I don’t really understand what happened, but I locked up and I still tried to of course keep the car on the track, try to finish the lap but I clipped the rear and had to stop.”

Although, the Red Bull driver acknowledges that qualifying pace means they can do well in the race.

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“P3 is a bit disappointing knowing the lap I was on but it shows that the car is quick. Nevertheless, it shows that the car is quick and let’s see what we can do in the race.”

Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, could also manage only a P5 finish as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc split up the two Red Bulls.

So, for the race, Max Verstappen will have to not only charge his way ahead of Valtteri Bottas but his race will also depend hugely on the strategy he’s on. Also, he’ll have to show a bit more patience if there’s a lockup on Sunday.

A DNF at this stage could seriously wreck his championship hopes.

Also Read: Max Verstappen Hasn’t Become a ‘Diva’: Red Bull F1 Boss Christian Horner