Verstappen sends warning to Leclerc and Ferrari for French GP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expects the French Grand Prix weekend to "come to our favour" in the race after losing out to Ferrari in qualifying.

Verstappen turned heads during Saturday's final practice session when he finished comfortably clear of Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

However, in qualifying, Ferrari regained the advantage as Leclerc stormed to pole position with the help of a tow from his teammate on both runs.

Leclerc and Verstappen will share the front row of the grid on Sunday, while Sainz drops to the back of the field due to his engine-related penalty.

Verstappen expects Red Bull to be stronger in the race

Asked what happened to his pace between final practice and qualifying, Verstappen offered a no-nonsense answer.

"Well, FP3 is not qualifying, clearly!" the reigning World Champion commented.

"Overall, I think we were lacking a bit in qualifying, just general grip. It was a bit more tricky than I think I would have hoped."

Verstappen is confident, though, that Red Bull can take the fight to Ferrari in race trim – a factor that has been picked up on in the paddock.

"I think we still have a decent race car and hopefully, of course, tomorrow will come to our favour," he added.

"I mean, we are quick on the straights, so hopefully we can use that tomorrow."