MAX VERSTAPPEN OFFERS TELLING SEVEN-WORD RED BULL ASSESSMENT THAT LANDO NORRIS WILL LOVE

Max Verstappen admitted that McLaren were 'quicker the whole weekend' after missing out on pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix. The reigning world champion received a significant slipstream from team-mate Sergio Perez on his final lap but was still unable to beat the in-form Lando Norris to the top spot on the leaderboard.

The Dutchman fought off challenges from Norris and Mercedes' George Russell to win in Montreal two weeks ago, but he was unable to claim pole position on Saturday in Barcelona, despite the expectations heading into the weekend labelling him as the clear favourite.

Instead, it was McLaren who demonstrated the strongest pace and while Oscar Piastri ran into the gravel on his critical final lap in Q3, Norris was able to deliver a sensational lap that was good enough for a second career pole position.

"They were quicker really the whole weekend," Verstappen told Sky Sports F1 after qualifying. "So it's not a surprise to be honest. I think the whole weekend I've felt like we were a bit behind. You could see that in practice. It was not really going that easily.

"But I do think that going into qualifying we made some good changes again to make the car more competitive, so I have no regrets. I mean my lap was good, there was not really a corner where I felt like I lacked something. From that side, I think we really maximised that, and I think it's just going to be exciting for tomorrow to see how we can fare against them in race pace."

Verstappen was then asked about the promising long-run pace teased by Red Bull throughout the free practice sessions. "I don't know," he responded. "When I look at my race pace I think it's okay but nothing special compared to Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.

"So I don't really know where that comes from. I felt okay, but I don't really feel like there was a very strong pace compared to others. Also [we were] just trying to fine-tune our balance as well, so maybe what we did into qualifying will help also for tomorrow."

The championship leader's lack of optimism will come as a delight to Norris, who is seeking to convert the pole into a second career win on Sunday. The Spanish GP has been won from the front row in 30 of the last 33 years, meaning he will more than likely be slugging it out with Verstappen for the top step of the podium.

2024-06-23T12:42:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd