Verstappen 'happy with what we achieved' despite missing out on pole in Canada

Max Verstappen admits he was "happy with what we achieved" during Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, with the Red Bull driver set to start on the front row.

The reigning World Champion sat top of the order after the initial runs in the final part of Qualifying at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and improved on his final effort with the help of Pirelli's medium compound of tyre.

READ MORE: Russell beats Verstappen and Piastri to pole in thrilling Qualifying for Canadian GP

Ultimately, the Dutchman was pipped to pole by an 'exhilarating' lap from George Russell that left him 0.160s in arrears but ahead of title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

"I felt quite good all weekend. The car was actually in a good window," said Verstappen post-session.

"This track is quite cool, feels like a bit of a big go-kart on the kerbs and then of course you have the long straights, heavy braking.

"You need to be quite efficient on the straights which I think we are in general. So overall, I'm very happy with qualifying.

HIGHLIGHTS: Russell snatches Canada pole ahead of Verstappen and Piastri

"I think the car was again working quite well, then of course the tough choice was the tyres, which one to use. But I think we did the right thing."

Verstappen has faced scrutiny this weekend in Canada as he sits just a single penalty point away from a one-race ban, having controversially collided with Russell last time out in Spain that put him on the brink of the suspension.

With the pair starting together on the front row, Verstappen was asked whether the layout of Turns 1/2 would benefit the driver starting in second despite the short run to the opening corners.

"I mean I would always pick P1. You just start a little bit more forward but it's fine," said Verstappen.

"We'll see what we can do tomorrow but I'm already happy with what we achieved today to be on the front row and hopefully tomorrow we can have a solid race."