SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 20: Max Verstappen, Dutch driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing, celebrates in the parc fermé after securing pole position for the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 20, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The current holder of the Drivers’ Championship achieved a significant milestone for Red Bull by securing the team’s 100th pole position in history. He completed a lap with a time of 1:33.660 at the Shanghai International Circuit, placing himself over three tenths ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.
Verstappen recently ended his streak of consecutive pole positions in 2024 after going off track several times during the Sprint Qualifying, allowing McLaren’s Lando Norris to claim the top spot. However, the Dutch driver made up for his poor starting positions by winning the subsequent Sprint race in dominant fashion. Lewis Hamilton and Perez completed the podium.
The 26-year-old driver is aiming for his fifth victory in the race on Sunday and hopes to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the adjustments made to his RB20 after the Sprint race, which proved beneficial during Qualifying.
He stated: “After the Sprint race, we gained some valuable information for the car, and I believe the car performed even better during Qualifying. I am genuinely pleased with how the entire Qualifying session unfolded. The car was a pleasure to drive, and the final lap in Q3 was quite promising. I am also delighted to have the opportunity to drive in dry conditions. The track conditions were favorable, making the experience enjoyable,” Verstappen concluded.
Regarding Red Bull’s achievement of reaching 100 pole positions in Formula 1, Verstappen added: “Before the start of Qualifying, Christian informed me that it was possible for us to secure the team’s 100th pole position. It is certainly rewarding to reach this milestone here. Overall, it was a fantastic day.”
Discussing race strategy, Verstappen acknowledged that the race conditions are expected to be different from Qualifying. He commented: “The strategy will depend on the circumstances we encounter. Tomorrow, the wind is expected to change, which will alter the balance of the car. I am looking forward to the race tomorrow.”
The Chinese Grand Prix will start at 08:00 BST (15:00 local time) on Sunday, April 21. Will Verstappen be able to maintain his dominant form and emerge victorious at the Shanghai International Circuit?
