P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen ‘deserves’ fourth in China F1 sprint qualifying with wet struggles
Max Verstappen, who has secured every pole position in the 2024 F1 season, faced unexpected challenges during the Chinese GP sprint race qualifying session due to rain hitting the Shanghai International Circuit where no driver had recent wet weather experience. Despite having two lap times deleted for off-track moments in Q3, Verstappen managed to secure the fourth grid position for the sprint race, trailing polesitter Lando Norris by over two seconds. Struggling to get the intermediate tyres to optimum temperature, Verstappen likened driving in the wet conditions to “driving on ice.” Looking ahead to the sprint race, he anticipates difficulties starting from the left-hand side of the grid but remains optimistic about Red Bull’s tyre management advantage if the race is dry. Verstappen aims to maximize his performance and hopes for progress in the 19-lap sprint race.
