Grip levels left Verstappen 'confused' in qualifying
Max Verstappen found qualifying for the Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix "confusing" as changing grip levels meant he ended up setting his fastest time in Q1.
Drivers have been struggling with grip levels at Portimao throughout the race weekend so far due to a combination of the recently resurfaced track and the hardest possible tyre selection.
Verstappen was able to qualify third for Red Bull on Saturday, finishing just 0.252 seconds off the pole position time of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.
But the Dutchman set his best time of qualifying in Q1, going 0.025 seconds faster than on his Q3 lap, as he struggled for grip amid minimal track evolution or improvement.
"Already the whole weekend has been really tricky with getting the tyres to work," Verstappen said. "Besides the tyres, the Tarmac is slippery. [There is] just one line you can take.
"Overall, still good of course to be third, but a bit confusing throughout qualifying. I did my fastest lap time in Q1, and after that I couldn't replicate it, just because I didn't have the same grip.
"Of course the time runs down in Q2 and Q3, you have less time to do your laps. It seemed like it was a bit more difficult for us to get the tyres in a better window, even though I think in Q3 to Q2, it felt a bit better on let's say the one timed lap, on the very first timed lap.
"It was better, but for me, not very enjoyable to drive at the moment with the tyres and grip on the track.
"I was here in January and I thought it was going to be amazing to drive a Formula 1 car, the grip we have. For me personally, you can't push. You're just driving on ice. It's a bit of a shame."
Verstappen appeared to be in contention for pole position ahead of the final runs in Q3 as both Mercedes drivers opted to switch to medium tyres, with Hamilton improving to take pole ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.
It marked the second race in a row where Verstappen had looked closer to the Mercedes drivers in qualifying than at previous races, but he felt it was hard to judge if Red Bull had truly cut the gap.
"Again we were very close, [it's] just difficult to really judge again the performance because of the tyres and the grip," Verstappen said.
"I think we have to go to a track again where we have driven before, like the last few years, and see where we ware, because we have a bit more knowledge there.
"These kind of events are sometimes hit and miss. Sometimes you can do them better than others. But still, to be P3 and be quite close to them is a good achievement I think."

Previous article
Bottas regrets doing single-lap run in Portimao qualifying
Next article
Vettel: Leclerc in a "different class" after another Q2 exit

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Event | Portuguese GP |
Drivers | Max Verstappen |
Author | Luke Smith |
Grip levels left Verstappen 'confused' in qualifying
The defining traits that set F1’s best apart
What makes the very best drivers in Formula 1 stand out among what is already a highly elite bunch? Andrew Benson takes a closer look at those with the special blend of skill, judgment, feel and attitude that sets only a select few apart from the rest.
The updates Williams hopes will lead to a point-scoring return
After producing a car which demonstrated progress but lacked the points to prove it last year, Williams starts its new era of team ownership with the FW43B, its bid to continue the climb up the Formula 1 grid in 2021
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat