“There’s a lot at stake” – Red Bull’s Christian Horner

Max Verstappen took Red Bull Racing’s first ever pole position at the French Grand Prix, taking the top step after an unbelievable final lap leaving title rival Lewis Hamilton alongside him in second.

It was an unbelievable lap by Verstappen to take pole by just over 0.2 seconds, the Dutchman has looked the class of the field all weekend and is now in the best position to extend his championship lead tomorrow.

For Sergio Pérez it was a disappointing qualifying, the Mexican lines up in fourth after a messy final lap, leaving him behind both Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team drivers.

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner is incredibly proud of all the hard work going on at the team, with so much currently at stake.

“It was another great performance from Max today and it’s fantastic to see him take our first pole position in France. Together we’ve been improving the car throughout the weekend and to have Checo up there as well, building on the momentum from his Baku victory, is a great Team performance. Starting from pole certainly gives us confidence but we’re expecting Mercedes to be very competitive tomorrow.

“This circuit has been such a stronghold for them over recent years so it will be important to see if we can beat them here. There’s a lot at stake and a long way to go in this championship but the whole Team is working incredibly well, putting in long hours, and coming together as a unit to put the pressure on Mercedes which is phenomenal to see.

“Having two cars starting at the front also gives us different strategic options in the race and so it will be important for us to do all the basics and get clean starts, execute quick pitstops and a good strategy.”

Credit: Rudy Carezzevoli/ Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool