Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has blamed traffic for Max Verstappen falling short in the fight for pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as Lando Norris snatched the top spot in a dramatic wet qualifying session in Sin City.
The four-time F1 drivers' champion appeared well-placed to go fastest overall, which the Milton Keynes-based team was expecting, according to the Austrian, after progressing comfortably through to Q3.
However, Verstappen ultimately had to settle for second place on the grid after being outpaced by three-tenths of a second in the closing moments.
The grid-setting hour at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit took place in horrendous conditions, as persistent rain adversely affected the already low-grip track.
The slippery surface caught out several drivers early on, with Verstappen among those struggling to find the optimal operating window for his tyres.
However, the Red Bull driver gradually found his rhythm on the soaking circuit and was able to advance through the knockout phases without major incident.
By the time Q3 arrived, Verstappen appeared to have unlocked the pace needed to challenge for pole position.
He looked set to capitalise on the improved grip levels, only for the McLaren driver to deliver a stunning final push lap that ultimately decided the session.
Marko was particularly relieved that the session concluded without significant accidents, praising the field's collective performance in the difficult conditions.
"I have to say, I admire all the drivers. All but Albon managed to keep the cars on the track without crashing, and that under these very difficult conditions," the 82-year-old told Sky Sports Germany.
Following the disappointment of missing out on pole, Marko revealed that Red Bull had been confident of securing the top spot based on their performance in the earlier sessions.
"After Q1 and Q2, we were actually counting on pole position, but in terms of timing, it didn't work out," he explained.
"We just couldn't start a final lap like Lando was able to do. Only then the conditions were the best and our tyres also cooled down, but in the end it all just didn't work out. There would have been more in it."
Marko identified track traffic as the primary factor that prevented Verstappen from maximising his potential in the crucial final moments of the session.
"It was mainly about the traffic, which then confuses everything," he added. "You only need a reasonably free lap, but maybe we also just went back out too early."
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!