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Where Verstappen Found the Edge Over McLaren: A Sector-by-Sector Analysis
When Max Verstappen beat Oscar Piastri by just 0.103s, it wasn’t raw power that made the difference—it was precision. Analyzing the qualifying data from the 2025 British Grand Prix reveals a masterclass in balance and control.
🔍 Sector Breakdown:
| Sector | Verstappen | Piastri | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29.112 | 29.104 | -0.008s |
| 2 | 27.233 | 27.317 | +0.084s |
| 3 | 29.526 | 29.553 | +0.027s |
The second sector—comprising Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel—was where Verstappen gained a decisive 0.084 seconds, thanks to Red Bull’s aerodynamic stability.
“Max is a master at high-speed change of direction,” said former F1 engineer Rob Smedley on Channel 4. “He used every inch of the circuit in Sector 2.”
Speed Trap Insights:
Despite McLaren topping the speed trap at 324.6 km/h, it wasn’t enough. Red Bull’s superior cornering—especially in the fast-flowing middle sector—compensated.
Historical Context
This marks Verstappen’s fourth pole of the season and his 41st career pole—tying him with Senna on poles taken before age 28.