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Andrea Stella

McLaren boss no longer impressed by Max Verstappen: 'He can do anything'

McLaren expected the fight for British GP pole to come from Ferrari, but it was the reigning world champion who dealt the hammer blow.

Verstappen Norris Piastri
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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella joked that he "stopped being impressed" by Max Verstappen and that "he can do anything", following a remarkable Silverstone pole position.

The Dutchman denied both McLarens pole for the British Grand Prix courtesy of a brilliant final lap in qualifying. 

Oscar Piastri had been on provisional pole, but was demoted to second on the grid after Verstappen set a 1m 24.892. 

Verstappen was not expected to be McLaren's biggest threat in qualifying, with the expectation having been a duel between the Woking-based outfit and Ferrari. 

The Italian team settling for fifth and sixth surprised Stella, as did George Russell snatching fourth on the grid for his home race. 

As for Verstappen, the McLaren boss has learnt to never count the reigning world champion out, particularly ahead of the race.

"I stopped being impressed by Max Verstappen because it's Max, he can do anything," Stella told Viaplay. He can do anything. 

"I think today he pulled off a superb lap in the final attempt in Q3, there is more of a gap between the pole position and second than between second and fifth. So well done to Max. 

"But otherwise, everything is very tight. As you said, we were expecting Ferrari to be pretty strong. I think George has done a good job of being there in the mix. 

"And all this is a really good setup for a very interesting race tomorrow. So definitely one not to miss."

Also interesting:

WATCH: Magical Max casts Silverstone spell as Ferrari falter at the death

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they talk through qualifying day at the British Grand Prix!

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