Red Bull Special Advisor Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen madelife difficult for himself on his way to snatching pole position for Sunday’sDutch Grand Prix. Despite missing much of Friday's first practice session with agearbox issue, Verstappen edged Charles Leclerc by just 0.021 to take pole for hishome race, but Marko says the Dutchman had been slightly overzealous with histyres before his first flying lap. "It was incredibly exciting during the last part ofqualifying," Marko told Sky Deutschland . "Maxwarmed up his tires too quickly prior to his first run in Q3, so that was notideal. Fortunately, he did that well in the second run." "Ferrariis much stronger here in Zandvoort thanin Spa, but that is what we had already assumed."
Marko challenges Perez to improve after spin
Though Verstappen claimed pole position, the Dutchman’s teammateSergio Perez didn't have such a happy time of things, spinning at the lastcorner on his final run and ending up fifth, behind Verstappen, the twoFerraris and Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. However, Marko appeared understanding of Perez's error, sayinghe would rather a driver push hard and crash than drive within himself. "We would have been happier if Perez hadn't crashed at theend," said Marko. "Max has learned to drive fast and save the car. According toour calculations, Perez would have finished in third place, but it's betterthat he take a risk and fly off than being stuck behind everyone." WithPerez seemingly struggling to live with Verstappen's pace across recent races, Marko laid down a marker for the Mexican. "Perez has to perform faster and better [during practice] onFridays," said Marko. "But we think he can fight for second place in the Championship."
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