Verstappen: "We have the pace to take the fight to them"

Max Verstappen didn't qualify in first like he did in all three free practice sessions, but the Dutchman is very pleased with the third place he eventually squeezed out of his Red Bull.

When speaking to Sky Sports F1's Paul Di Resta after climbing out of his car, Verstappen was clearly a happy man after all the criticism that was piled on to him in the last weeks.

"I'm very happy with this weekend so far," Verstappen said.

"The car has been working really well and we know in qualifying we are missing top speed.

"To be third is great for us and I think in the race we can do a really good job.

"I think we have the pace to take the fight to Ferrari and Mercedes.

Verstappen has one each in front of him in Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel. His advantage will be the tyre he's on.

"Starting on the softer tyre is a benefit as it's quite slippery on track and in the race I think we'll be competitive."