Max Verstappen details Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ‘scare’ after taking pole

Christian Horner on Red Bull's success and hints at next step

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Max Verstappen admitted he faced a “scare” moments before his final qualifying run at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman admitted the team had to “reboot everything” moments before Q3 in what was almost a major blow for Red Bull.

Perez questioned why Verstappen wasn’t beside him on track at the start of the session to choreograph a slipstream. But, the team confirmed there was an issue with the reigning champion’s car which saw him delayed in the pit box. 

After the chequered flag, Verstappen said: “Q2 was a little bit messy. I don’t know why but on those tyres I couldn’t get the grip together. But then in Q3 it all felt a bit more normal. We had a bit of a scare, the car turned off before the first run, so we had to reboot everything. 

“Then we went out and both of the laps were good enough.”

Verstappen was fastest after his first run in Q3 as he set a lap almost three-tenths faster than Carlos Sainz. There were fears the Dutchman may have had his time deleted for crossing the white line at the final corner but got away with it to retain P1.

His team-mate Sergio Perez looked set to challenge for the front on his first lap until he lost control and slid on the exit of turn 16. Red Bull gave Perez the opportunity of a tow on their final run with Verstappen running just ahead of the Mexican. 

But, reigning champion Verstappen went even quicker on his final run with Perez finishing P2. Lewis Hamilton also looked on course for a shot at the top spot but lost control of his rear end through turn 14. 

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