Max Verstappen expressed relief after qualifying on the front row for the Miami Grand Prix, stating he no longer feels like a “passenger” in his Red Bull car.
The reigning champion had struggled with unpredictable car balance during earlier sessions but noted significant improvements following setup changes.
Verstappen highlighted that the car felt much more connected and responsive, allowing him to push closer to the limit during the critical qualifying laps.
While he narrowly missed out on pole position, he remains confident that the improved handling will provide a much stronger platform for the main race.
Red Bull engineers worked extensively to address tire temperature issues that had plagued the team throughout the practice and sprint sessions.
Charles Leclerc outpaced Verstappen for the top spot, but the Dutchman believes his car’s race pace and newfound stability will make him a formidable contender.
The shift in performance marks a vital turnaround for Verstappen, who had previously been vocal about his frustration with the car’s “snappy” behavior on the Miami street circuit.
