Max Verstappen P5, Isack Hadjar P6, Team Principal Mekies: "An eye-opener"

The faces at Red Bull Racing said it all: more could have been possible in the exciting qualifying session for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

The six-time constructors' world champions will start the Grand Prix in 5th (Max Verstappen) and 6th (Isack Hadjar) on the grid, and team boss Laurent Mekies growls: "As a team, we are never satisfied with fifth or sixth place. But we were expecting an eye-opener here in Barcelona because of the track characteristics with the long straights and fast corners. We know that we are a little weaker on this type of track, especially compared to Monte Carlo and Montreal."

The 49-year-old Frenchman continued: "During the three free practice sessions, we worked hard to optimise the car's performance. In fact, the 0.342-second gap to pole position is the smallest we've seen on this type of track so far this season."

"Nevertheless, we are aware that we have not yet resolved our limitations in these areas. But I'm pleased to see that all the work done by all our employees is starting to pay off."

How does Laurent Mekies see the upcoming Barcelona GP? "I think the decisive factor in the race will be the heat, which will force several pit stops. In my opinion, this will lead to many cars fighting for podium places, and we will do our best to be involved in this multiple battle."

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