Max Verstappen’s shock Q1 exit in Shanghai was caused by a misfiring Renault engine and he will subsequently start towards the back of the grid.
As a result of grid penalties been handed to Jolyon Palmer and Romain Grosjean for speeding under yellow flags after Antonio Giovinazzi’s crash, Verstappen will now start17th on the grid.
“There was something misfiring in the engine which meant we were down on power, I tried to do a lap that could at least get me through to Q2 but the issue just wouldn’t let me.
“The guys will investigate this evening and I’m confident they can resolve it for the race. It is of course very unfortunate but these things happen and we need to move on.
“A bit of rain tomorrow will definitely help us but I think even in the wet it will be tough to challenge Ferrari and Mercedes.”
The young Dutchman, however, is remaining optimistic, with the threat of rain tomorrow and his well-known prowess in such conditions, he is keen to come back fighting in the race.
“I will go home tonight, get some good rest and sleep, then come to the track ready to attack what will hopefully be a wet track.
“If it is dry tomorrow you lose too much time starting from where I am on the grid. We will see, some good overtakes and exciting racing is what I’m hoping for.”
After showing his superb wet weather skills in the rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix in 2016, many will be keen to see Verstappen come through the pack.
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