P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Given the circumstances with McLaren so dominant, it was as good as Max Verstappen could manage.
Max Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his third-place qualifying finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, as he was the top non-McLaren car on the grid. Despite not being a favorite for the weekend due to McLaren’s strong performance, Verstappen was pleased with his own showing.
Oscar Piastri set a new lap record to grab pole position, with Lando Norris narrowly missing out, just ahead of Verstappen. Verstappen’s fastest middle sector showcased his speed, giving him confidence heading into the race.
Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of the weekend but felt qualifying was a significant improvement for him. He embraced the support of the vibrant Dutch fans and aimed to maintain the momentum into the race.
While recognizing McLaren’s strong pace, Verstappen remained optimistic about his chances in the race and emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance. He hoped to build on the progress made in qualifying for a successful race day.
