Max Verstappen assesses Red Bull's qualifying performance in Barcelona
Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 6:20 PM
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
Max Verstappen finished qualifying third for the Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix, showing promise by halving Red Bull's gap to Mercedes. He struggled with grip in the final sector of his lap, attributing some of the difficulties to tyre overheating and a red flag interruption. Verstappen expressed surprise over the progress made since practice, noting that several small issues still need addressing. He is hopeful for improvement as the race weekend unfolds.
- •Verstappen qualified third for the Barcelona Grand Prix.
- •Red Bull halved its deficit to Mercedes from previous practice sessions.
- •Tyre overheating impacted many drivers, including Verstappen.
- •A red flag contributed to disrupted qualifying rhythm.
- •Verstappen calls for continued improvements despite encouraging signs.
- 6:20 PMAutosport — Verstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes: “I don’t fully understand it”
- 6:12 PMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes in Barcelona
- 6:12 PMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes in Barcelona
"Red Bull locked out the third row of the grid for Sunday’s Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix. Max Verstappen appeared to be in contention for pole position after two sectors, but saw his grip disappear in the last part of the lap – an issue many drivers struggled with due to tyres overheating. “I think it was a decent qualifying session for us,” Verstappen reflected afterwards when ...Keep reading
"Red Bull locked out the third row of the grid for Sunday’s Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix. Max Verstappen appeared to be in contention for pole position after two sectors, but saw his grip disappear in the last part of the lap – an issue many drivers struggled with due to tyres overheating. “I think it was a decent qualifying session for us,” Verstappen reflected afterwards when ...Keep reading
"While Verstappen believes issues in the final sector cost him third place on the grid for the Barcelona Grand Prix, he is surprised Red Bull managed to slash its deficit to Mercedes
Sources
External links- AutosportJun 13, 2026, 6:20 PMVerstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes: “I don’t fully understand it”
Red Bull locked out the third row of the grid for Sunday’s Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix. Max Verstappen appeared to be in contention for pole position after two sectors, but saw his grip disappear in the last part of the lap – an issue many drivers struggled with due to tyres overheating. “I think it was a decent qualifying session for us,” Verstappen reflected afterwards when ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 13, 2026, 6:12 PMMax Verstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes in Barcelona
While Verstappen believes issues in the final sector cost him third place on the grid for the Barcelona Grand Prix, he is surprised Red Bull managed to slash its deficit to Mercedes
- Motorsport.comJun 13, 2026, 6:12 PMMax Verstappen surprised as Red Bull halves gap to Mercedes in Barcelona
Red Bull locked out the third row of the grid for Sunday’s Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix. Max Verstappen appeared to be in contention for pole position after two sectors, but saw his grip disappear in the last part of the lap – an issue many drivers struggled with due to tyres overheating. “I think it was a decent qualifying session for us,” Verstappen reflected afterwards when ...Keep reading
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