\u2014 Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n While the pace was such that he improved on his sixth position in SQ3 24 hours earlier – Verstappen finishing third behind Norris and polesitter Oscar Piastri <\/a>– the Dutchman indicated there were still issues with his car.<\/p>\n The result, however, gives Verstappen a chance of using the clean side of the grid to beat Norris to Turn 1 to keep his hopes alive, with overtaking proven difficult after lap one during the sprint.<\/p>\n “I think this qualifying was a little bit better, even though, of course, it is still quite far off,” said Verstappen, having finished 0.264s behind Piastri’s pole time, which was a new lap record.<\/p>\n Getty Images \/ Red Bull Content Pool<\/p>\n “But at least I felt a little bit happier, but still some limitations that don’t allow us to push harder around the lap, but at least we’re P3; we are starting on the second row, and it creates better opportunities, because we know that it’s quite hard to pass around here.”<\/p>\n Verstappen’s two positions made up in the sprint were courtesy of a move on Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin into Turn 1 after a slow start for the Spaniard, as well as a gift from teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who put up no defence.<\/p>\n On his prospects in the grand prix, he explained: “Realistically, it’s a bit tough this weekend. Just not been what I wanted it to be so far, but we’ll see what we can do tomorrow.”<\/p>\n Asked whether the bouncing had been taken away as part of the improvements made by Red Bull, Verstappen replied: “No, it’s still not amazing.”<\/p>\n The Latest Formula 1 News<\/p>\n Lewis Hamilton Addresses Shock F1 Elimination Yet Again At Qatar Grand Prix<\/a><\/p>\n Oscar Piastri Continues His ‘Perfect’ Weekend At The Qatar Grand Prix<\/a><\/p>\n Lando Norris Explains Crucial Error That Cost Qatar Grand Prix Pole<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Lando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/01kb8p9z6f4z1b9n1rcq.jpg\" "\\"Lando")
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