Stewards are reviewing whether to investigate Max Verstappen for failing to slow under yellow flags at the end of Q3 in Mexico qualifying
The Dutchman upset the form book by bringing Ferrari’s run of poles since Spa to an end and also gained some retribution for narrowly missing out on P1 at this race last year.
However, it was the controversy of the end to his second timed lap which is getting most of the attention as he went fastest of all in Sector 3 despite the Mercedes being buried in the barrier at the Peraltada.
“I was aware Valtteri crashed,” he told reporters post-session.
And on whether he had lifted the throttle, Max replied: “It didn’t really look like it did it? No.”
Initially, the stewards decided no investigation was necessary into the incident because Verstappen’s mini-sector time through the final corner was slower than on his first timed lap.
Now though, having heard those comments, a second look is being given into the matter.
As for achieving his second pole of 2019 after Hungary though, the 22-year-old was understandably delighted to have beaten Ferrari.
“We did not really expect this, but it immediately felt good during qualifying,” he told Ziggo Sport. “In Q1, that run does not give immediate confidence, because nobody gives real gas, but the feeling was good.
“I am a bit surprised indeed, but that is nice of course.”
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It’s a result that puts Verstappen in prime position to claim a third straight win in Mexico – if he can hold off the challenge from Ferrari on the long run to Turn 1.
“We will continue to work and will never give up,” he said. “The start will be very difficult and I think we cannot defend that, but even if you lose those places, you still have a great race.”