‘It will not be a lot of fun’ – Max Verstappen braced for Sprint ‘survival’ in Qatar after ‘really bad’ Qualifying issues

A pissed off Max Verstappen is making ready himself for a “survival” Sprint race on the Lusail International Circuit, having struggled to sixth place throughout Friday evening’s Sprint Qualifying session.

Verstappen entered the Qatar weekend vowing to go “all in”, as he appears to be like to shut a 24-point deficit to McLaren’s Lando Norris within the race for the 2025 Drivers’ title, however his weekend has began in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Following a difficult sole follow session, Verstappen couldn’t get a deal with on his Red Bull by the Sprint grid-decider, complaining of extreme bouncing, understeer and taking a wild journey over the gravel in SQ3.

Reflecting on his night on the wheel, Verstappen sighed: “Yeah, not good. From the primary lap, simply actually unhealthy bouncing and really aggressive understeer that will shift into oversteer in high-speed, so simply not what you wish to go quick.

“You’re locked in [with set-up for the Sprint race]… We tried to after all change just a few issues on the wheel, nevertheless it by no means actually labored, in order that made it fairly tough.

“[We changed] a few things [after FP1], but it clearly wasn’t working well in Qualifying, so that’s something that we need to understand.”

Asked about his probabilities within the Sprint and for the remainder of the occasion, with set-up modifications permitted after the 100-kilometre sprint, the Dutchman added: “With this stability tomorrow within the Sprint, at the least, it is not going to be quite a lot of enjoyable.

“It will be more about just trying to survive, I guess, and then make some changes going into Qualifying.”

Yuki Tsunoda, in the meantime, pulled an sudden efficiency out of the bag by qualifying fifth quickest, simply forward of Verstappen, after a tough run of occasions within the sister Red Bull.

Asked concerning the obvious breakthrough, Tsunoda stated: “I imply, to date it’s been a clear race weekend, fairly easy, not any points taking place in follow, and this Qualifying to date.

“I felt extra confidence [going] into the Qualifying. It’s good. It’s good that we had a clear race week to date.

“I simply should put all of it collectively… There’s three extra classes to go, however I’m certain particularly this now is essential for the group, particularly for Max [and the Drivers’ Championship battle].

“It’s good that either side of the storage are very targeted, and we attempt to give ourselves the utmost. Also for me as effectively, I’m proud of the automotive and with my confidence.

“Obviously there’s some bit to go for tomorrow, to find that extra little bit of tenths, but I’m excited.”