The Mercedes domination was almost overcome today in Belgium as Max Verstappen qualified merely .149 seconds behind Nico Rosberg. Verstappen, the younger of the Red Bull drivers, has been quick all weekend and he becomes the youngest driver in history to start on the front row of a Grand Prix. All weekend Max has been excessively modest about his quick pace as he was after qualifying. Asked if he thought he could have had Pole Position, he downplays his chances.
“Yeah, I mean, you can always do a better job. But also I think also Nico could have done a better lap” – Max Verstappen
The Ferraris also look fast as well as Spa-specialist Kimi Raikkonen finished only .017 seconds behind Verstappen and his teammate Sebastian Vettel just behind him in 4th. Rounding out the top 5 is other Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo.
Rosberg was the lone Mercedes in Q3 as Lewis Hamilton choose not to set a fast time due to his massive grid penalty for changing this engine before the race. Lewis will be joined at the back of the path by Fernando Alonso, how also sustained a grid penalty for an engine change.
It was more bad news for Alonso however, as he once again suffered a mechanical failure in Q1. Since he’s suffered a huge penalty anyway it will not be a big deal if he changes out more components, but surely he’s yet to see the planned upgraded power that Jenson Button has been enjoying in his McLaren.
“On the dyno it is better and on Jenson’s side it is delivering the power. On my side too but I had 4 laps today. ” – Fernando Alonso