Sebastian Vettel rued a difficult first run in Q3 after only managing third on the grid for the Mexican Grand Prix.
The German seemed the most likely to take pole having appeared more comfortable than teammate Charles Leclerc and with Ferrari setting the pace.
But a combination of factors in the fight for pole cost the four-time world champion, including the crash for Valtteri Bottas.
“It’s not ideal with the yellow flag otherwise I think it could have been a better session for myself,” Vettel said.
“I had it in my hands in the first run, I was probably too cautious after a good first sector, then I lost the rhythm and was too aggressive in the end, then I had a big snap in the first corner.
“I was quite confident I could make up some time. There was a yellow flag, but it happens,” he added referring to the off for Bottas at the Peraltada.
“I should have nailed it in the first run. Other than that, it’s been a good weekend so far, it gives me a boost for tomorrow.”
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Fallout is continuing from the end of qualifying though, with polesitter Max Verstappen effectively talking himself into a possible penalty by admitting he didn’t lift in the yellow flag zone.
“I’m not the police so don’t ask me,” he replied to reporters when asked if the Dutchman should be penalised.
“But it was clear it was a double yellow, people were on the track and it was clear you have to lift.”
“The key tomorrow will be to have a good race car to look after the tyres, to choose the right strategy,” he explained.
“We all start on the same tyre, but I think it will be a close race. Mercedes – I don’t know what happened to them today, but tomorrow they will be quick.”