‘I honestly didn’t expect that’ – Verstappen pleased with P2 as he admits being under ‘a lot of pressure’ in Mexico qualifying

Max Verstappen was content with claiming second place on the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix after admitting that he felt under “a lot of pressure” to have a good qualifying, a situation heightened when the Dutchman’s first lap time in Q3 was deleted.

The weekend had already been a challenging one for Verstappen, the Red Bull man having experienced an engine issue with his RB20 during Friday’s practice sessions which ultimately curtailed his running in FP2, while FP3 saw him report a lack of grip.

READ MORE: Sainz clinches sensational pole position ahead of Verstappen and Norris during dramatic qualifying session in Mexico

However, things looked to have improved during qualifying and Verstappen claimed provisional pole after his initial flying run in Q3 – before the time was subsequently deleted due to track limits, meaning that it all rested on his final effort.

While his second run was not enough to beat pole-sitter Carlos Sainz, Verstappen will still start on the front row after claiming P2.

When asked after the session if the deletion of his first lap had put a lot of pressure on his later attempt, the world champion responded: “Yeah, quite a lot.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from qualifying in Mexico as Sainz storms to pole after shock Q1 exits for Perez and Piastri

“Naturally yesterday I barely did any laps. We’re playing a lot of catch-up. FP3 was not very good, so I was already under a lot of pressure to have a good qualifying, and then of course my lap time got taken away, so it added a little bit more pressure.

“But I’m very happy to be on the front row – I honestly didn’t expect that to be possible.”

In terms of how difficult it is to extract the maximum during qualifying amid the low-grip conditions of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen added: “I think it’s probably one of the hardest tracks to get right.

“I mean, street circuits are difficult, and this one as well. [It’s] low downforce, it’s very easy to have a lock up or a slide, and the tyres overheat immediately. It’s one of the tricky ones on the calendar.”

READ MORE: ‘We were just struggling too much’ – Perez identifies ‘main issue’ as he reflects on dispiriting home Q1 exit

Verstappen will lead Red Bull’s charge from the front row of the grid – ahead of championship rival Lando Norris in third – while team mate Sergio Perez had a disastrous day at his home event after exiting in Q1.