Max Verstappen’s British GP Qualifying Drama: Full Damage Report and Perez's Frustrating Gravel Trap Ordeal

Max Verstappen revealed he was grappling with “a lot of floor damage” following a dramatic off-track moment during the early stages of qualifying for the British Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred at Copse corner, severely affected his Red Bull's performance, ultimately costing him a shot at pole position.

During the wet-dry session's opening Q1 phase, drivers had switched from intermediate to slick tires. Verstappen lost control at Copse, skidding off the track and bouncing over the gravel. Although he managed to salvage his qualifying run, securing fourth place behind George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, the Dutchman was candid about the incident’s toll on his car.

READ MORE: Russell beats Hamilton to pole at Silverstone as Norris completes all-British top three

“In Q1, it started to rain just as we were heading into Copse,” Verstappen explained. “Even though I slowed down, I still lost the car. I almost crashed but managed to avoid the barrier. Unfortunately, the floor of the car sustained significant damage. The team did an excellent job trying to fix it, but some parts just couldn’t be replaced.”

Post-incident, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges, noting that his team’s efforts to repair the car were valiant but ultimately constrained by the damage. “The floor is a critical component,” he said. “Given the circumstances, I’m actually very pleased to be P4.”

READ MORE: Russell ‘absolutely buzzing’ with home pole as Hamilton hopes Mercedes pair can ‘work together’ to beat Norris

Looking ahead to race day, Verstappen’s outlook remains optimistic. “Of course, I’d prefer starting from pole, but from P4 we can push and pressure those ahead,” he remarked. “In racing, everything is possible.”

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, experienced his own woes at Copse. Unlike Verstappen, Perez’s car became beached in the gravel, leading to an early exit in Q1. This misfortune will see Perez start 19th on the grid after benefiting from Pierre Gasly’s engine penalty.

“It’s incredibly frustrating,” Perez admitted. “I feel like I let my entire team down. I was one of the first to switch to slick tires, needing them to heat up quickly. But when I approached Turn 9, I locked the rear axle and lost control.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the thrilling action from qualifying at Silverstone as Russell beats Hamilton to home pole

Reflecting on the moment he got stuck, Perez said, “I was trying to get out, but once you’re in the gravel, it’s tough. I’m disappointed, especially since we’ve shown strong pace all weekend. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fully demonstrate it today.”