Verstappen 'happy with what we achieved' despite missing Canada pole

Max Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his Canadian Grand Prix qualifying performance, despite being narrowly edged out for pole position by George Russell. The reigning World Champion will start Sunday's race from the front row, a position he is content with given the challenges of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Verstappen lauded his car's setup throughout the weekend, describing the track as a 'big go-kart' with its blend of kerbs, long straights, and heavy braking zones. He emphasized the importance of straight-line efficiency, an area where Red Bull generally excels. The Dutchman also highlighted the critical decision regarding tire compounds, believing his team made the right call. While facing scrutiny for a near one-race ban due to a penalty point accumulation, Verstappen brushed off concerns about starting P2, stating he would always prefer pole but is happy with the front-row start. He remains optimistic for a solid race performance, aiming to capitalize on his strong qualifying showing.