With rain falling steadily proper in the beginning of Q3, all of the drivers knew that their finest alternative to place in a time would come proper initially of the session.
Magnussen, who led the automobiles out of the pits, had the most effective of the circumstances and pulled off an excellent lap to seize a shock maiden pole place for each himself and his Haas group.
However Verstappen, who had been favorite to take the highest spot, reckons he would have ended the session on high if he didn’t make a mistake midway across the lap.
The world champion mentioned small lock up at Flip eight – the tight right-hander after Laranjinha – made the distinction as deteriorating circumstances meant there was no second probability to enhance, particularly after the crimson flag stoppage for George Russell’s off.
“We knew that it was going be that one lap, as a result of there was the potential rain,” defined the Purple Bull driver.
“I believe I used to be just like the fourth or fifth automobile, and I locked up into Flip eight. In order that’s, in fact, price me pole as we speak.
“However nonetheless, in comparison with the correct opposition for tomorrow, it is wanting good. And, in these circumstances, something can occur. And we’re nonetheless upfront, which is an important.”
High three Qualifiers Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing, pole man Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Staff, George Russell, Mercedes AMG
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Verstappen admitted that the altering circumstances via qualifying, which began damp in Q1 then dried out earlier than it rained once more for Q3, had made it particularly tough to evaluate how a lot threat to take.
“It was troublesome,” he mentioned. “I imply, you must discover the restrict of how a lot you may push. However then additionally, you do not wish to have massive errors and probably drop out.
“So we simply stayed calm from Q1 to Q2. Then Q3 was just a little bit extra of a lottery. However however, I’m nonetheless on the entrance row.”
Verstappen begins one place in entrance of Mercedes driver Russell, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc left languishing in 10th after Ferrari despatched him out on intermediates in the beginning of Q3.
And with Saturday’s dash race giving Verstappen an opportunity to maneuver ahead earlier than Sunday’s essential grand prix, he was relaxed in regards to the scenario.
Requested if, with the championship now executed, he might take extra dangers and have enjoyable within the dash, Verstappen mentioned: “I’ll at all times attempt to have enjoyable, however I believe the method ought to at all times be the identical.
“However yeah, let’s have a look at how aggressive we will be tomorrow within the race. But in addition the climate. I imply, I’ve no clue what is going on to occur. However that’s what makes Interlagos at all times very particular for everybody.”
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