'Best I've felt all weekend' – Verstappen praises Dutch Grand Prix turnaround after Qualifying result

Max Verstappen hailed his Qualifying performance for the Dutch Grand Prix as "the best I've felt all weekend", with the home hero set to start third on the grid in Sunday's race.

The four-time World Champion struggled to find pace in his Red Bull during practice at the Zandvoort Circuit, and suggested that even reaching the top five on the grid would be a challenge.

While the Dutchman was unable to challenge the McLaren duo of polesitter Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen was left only 0.263s behind the pair having also surprisingly set the fastest middle sector out of anyone.

"This weekend so far was quite tricky for us but in Qualifying, was basically the best I've felt all weekend, so that's exactly what you want," said Verstappen post-Qualifying.

"To be honest to be P3 here, very happy with that. The energy of the crowd of course the whole weekend already has been amazing and to see so much orange on the grandstands is always very special."

When asked about his chances of challenging the McLarens ahead in Sunday's race and adding a fourth Dutch Grand Prix victory to his credentials, Verstappen was realistic about his prospects.

"Let's see what we can do. I mean, the McLarens have been very fast all weekend," said Verstappen.

"It's also important to just focus on our own race and see what we can do, but this has been a good step forward. I hope that we can keep that up also going into the race tomorrow."

Red Bull team mate Yuki Tsunoda once again struggled to match the performance of Verstappen in Qualifying, eventually posting a time good enough for 13th on the grid.

The Japanese driver was left frustrated at a lack of pace having initially believed his lap times had been strong.

"To be honest, from Q1 I felt pretty on the edge. I gave my best to be honest, today. I have to see where I can improve but I think I was pretty happy with the lap to be honest. Pretty tough," he said.

"I'll try my best to score points. At least it's not too far away. Anything can happen so I'll try my best."