Max Verstappen dragged every ounce of pace and more from his Red Bull to secure a front-row start for the Monaco Grand Prix.
Afterwards, he shared his delight, saying he would have taken second if offered to him after FP1 and FP2.
"And also this morning, I think we had quite some difficulties with the car, so heading into qualifying and being up there, I think, was extremely positive.
"Overall, of course, very happy with how qualifying went, how all the laps went, even though you have to deal with all the traffic and the walls, but I'm happy to be on the front row."
These cars are quite complicated to start, so I have two cars behind me that start quite well, but we'll see," he added.
Max Verstappen dragged every ounce of pace and more from his Red Bull to secure a front-row start for the Monaco Grand Prix.
However, the 28-year-old anticipates a considerable challenge heading into the first corner of the legendary 78-lap race, given the "complicated" starts in F1 this season.
The Dutchman looked to have done enough for pole position, but was just pipped by Kimi Antonelli in the dying moments of the grid-setting session in Monte Carlo.
Afterwards, he shared his delight, saying he would have taken second if offered to him after FP1 and FP2.
"If you would have told me yesterday, to be on the front row, I would have definitely taken it," the four-time F1 drivers' champion told Jenson Button after getting out of his car.
"And also this morning, I think we had quite some difficulties with the car, so heading into qualifying and being up there, I think, was extremely positive.
"Overall, of course, very happy with how qualifying went, how all the laps went, even though you have to deal with all the traffic and the walls, but I'm happy to be on the front row."
Whilst the run down to the opening corner will be his best opportunity to overtake Antonelli and secure a first victory of the F1 season, the 71-time grand prix winner is more concerned by the threat from behind.
The fast-starting Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have locked out the second row in the Principality, and will be looking to take both Verstappen and Antonelli off the line.
"And then tomorrow, let's see... These cars are quite complicated to start, so I have two cars behind me that start quite well, but we'll see," he added.
"This was a good day, and I definitely enjoyed it in qualifying."
