Max Verstappen took pole position on Saturday, but World Cup leader Lando Norris starts from second place and Oscar Piastri starts third. In any case, a podium finish is enough for Norris to win his first title.
“We are in a strong position,” says Stella. “But we realize that we have competitive drivers around us on the first and second row. Nevertheless, as a team we have it in our own hands. We will ensure that we maintain this strong position and that we prepare at the highest level. To ensure that the title goes to one of our drivers after the finish.”
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Verstappen’s team boss at Red Bull, Laurent Mekies, was short on praise to describe the Dutchman’s performance during qualifying. “A great performance by Max, Yuki (Tsunoda, ed.) and the entire team. Yuki did great in Q3, by giving Max a slipstream on his first lap,” says Mekies.
“Of course there are no points to be won on this Saturday, but we have given ourselves the opportunity to give everything and go for it. We are focusing on ourselves because we have no control over what happens behind us. Everyone here and in Milton Keynes has worked hard to get into this position and fight for the title until the end, so it is a privileged position to be in. Whatever happens tomorrow, it was a sensational end to the year for us.”
