Max Verstappen is “very happy” with P4 on the grid for the Australian Grand Prix and has “no issues” with the Honda engine.
Verstappen, whilst not in contention for pole, was just over a tenth away from nipping ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel for a P3 start at Albert Park.
And the Dutchman hailed his Q3 session as “perfect” after almost being caught cold by a strategy error in Q1. Team-mate Pierre Gasly wasn’t so lucky.
“In qualifying I would say it was quite a perfect session in terms of what we could do with performance and in terms of what we have,” Verstappen said.
“The whole run-up to it wasn’t perfect.
“We all know that it is a quite strong track for them [Mercedes] and they have been really quick, while we have been playing a lot with the setup to try something different.
“Some worked, some didn’t obviously in the morning. But I am very happy with fourth in qualifying.”
Qualifying 4th was the best we could do today. Let’s work to improve from there #KeepPushing ?? #AusGP pic.twitter.com/PZuUlNPFWf
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 16, 2019
Verstappen said Red Bull are enjoying a good relationship with Honda as they take part in their first race together as partners.
“We will find out tomorrow exactly how competitive we are but it seems very smooth,” he said of the Honda power unit.
“We are working really well together so I really have nothing to complain to them about.
“They are working really hard and really focused so we had no issues which is great. It gives you a really positive feeling and enjoyment as well while driving.”
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