Verstappen: We can be happy to be that close

Qualifying for the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix, was strange in that the track appeared to get slower as qualy progressed and, in Q3, most of the first runs were the best, with Hamilton's effort of 1:16.741 enough for the top spot start tomorrow; Verstappen was a mere 0.036s shy which sets the stage for another epic race.

Verstappen told reporters afterwards: "It was good. I struggled in Q1 but we sorted out the balance in Q2 which was good. Q3 both laps were pretty decent, the second run was a little worse. It is quite gusty.

"Nevertheless second for us is very good today. We know they are hard to beat around here. To be that close we can be happy with that."

Later in the team report, he added: “Mercedes seem to be a little bit ahead of us over one lap but to be on the front row here, especially compared to last year where we really struggled, we can be very happy with that.

"We know that the start is very important here and it can impact the race result, so of course we are focused on it, but we want to keep it clean as well as it’s a long race.

"We will, of course, give it our best tomorrow and I think we have decent race pace, if it’s enough to beat them I don’t know but we will push them all the way," added Verstappen who last year qualified third. but seven-tenths down on Hamilton's pole-winning time; the Red Bull driver went on to finish second the next day.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner added:“It was another very exciting qualifying and a fantastic performance by the Team. Our first front row start in Barcelona for 10 years and Max was once again so close to pole.

"Being on the front row is very encouraging and there are a lot of positives to take from today. Last year we were 0.7s off pole and this year Max has completed an almost identical lap time to Lewis, so it’s great progress."

With the score so far 2-1 to Hamilton, in terms of victories after three rounds, turning that progress into winning in Barcelona (or at least beating the seven-time F1 World Champion) is essential for Verstappen and Red Bull to keep the pressure on and their title hopes alive.