Max Verstappen encountered issues with the Red Bull F1 car throughout the race weekend, but ultimately he secured pole position. After claiming pole, it was revealed that team boss Christian Horner had won 500 euros thanks to Verstappen’s pole after a bet with Helmut Marko.
“It’s very strange,” Verstappen said after qualifying. “We were struggling all weekend. Things weren’t looking so good all weekend. We had a lot of trouble with the balance, which was unpredictable. Then oversteer again, then understeer again.”
“Details can make a big difference. We definitely improved the car for qualifying. From the first round we did better and were able to push more. The balance was better. It was good enough in the end. I am of course very happy to be on pole.”
Team boss Christian Horner and Helmut Marko had apparently bet on whether Verstappen would take pole or not. Helmut Marko did not believe so, Christian Horner did believe in it and as a result the latter is now 500 euros richer and Helmut Marko 500 euros poorer.
“I don’t think Helmut expected me to be on the front row. But that also teaches him. Never bet against me, always bet for me,” said Max Verstappen with a smile. No idea if he can share in the profits…