Max Verstappen secured his first pole position since the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix as the Dutchman pipped the Mercedes drivers to pole position.  

After a season full of pole positions for Mercedes-powered cars, the 23-year-old finally got one on the board for himself and Red Bull Racing.  

"It's a long season for everyone, with a lot of races in a row. I think this was a good final qualifying for everyone in the team and for sure we are very happy with that and it's great to finally get there after being close many times in 2020. 

The whole season, being behind and getting closer, it's a bit frustrating. But very, very pleased with today." 

The nine-time Grand Prix winner felt a pole was overdue after doing some great laps on a Saturday throughout 2020. He remained undefeated in qualifying against Alex Albon. 

"Just because I think this year I've done quite a few good qualifying laps but it was never enough for pole position," explained Verstappen to Sky. "To finally have at least one I think for the whole team is a great achievement." 

The RB16 hasn’t been the easiest car to drive or understand, but they’ve edged towards Mercedes on a Saturday as the year has gone on. With the development of the W11 ending months ago, it opened the door for Red Bull to chip away at the gap. 

"We've been working so hard really the whole season to try and close that gap to Mercedes," said Verstappen. "Of course they have a different strategy with how they develop the car but for us it was all about understanding the car, to make it better for next year. To do that today, to be first, I was very happy for the whole team." 

Verstappen believes the race pace is unknown heading into tomorrow’s race as a red flag for Kimi Raikkonen’s engine failure during FP2 meant teams didn’t get the running in that they would have wanted.  

"I will have a look at what we can do, but I think not a lot of people had a proper long run because of the red flag we had," Verstappen said. 

"So it will be interesting tomorrow. I'll do my best. It seems like our top speed this weekend is not too bad. That's always nice. 

"For sure Valtteri and Lewis, they will be very close, and it will be a good battle hopefully." 

He also opened up about the close bond he feels inside the team that he’s been with since 2016.  

"I have a great relationship with the whole team, it's a lot of fun. At the end of the day, of course Formula 1 is about performance but you also need to have good people around you, fun people around you, and I have that. 

"Every time I come to the track it's just very nice. When you can rely on your mechanics, when you can rely on management as well, I really enjoy sitting in the car." 

YES, BOYS! Super happy with this pole position, everything came together. Mega job from the team today 💪 #KeepPushing #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/xHpjf3cbjJ

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 12, 2020

📻 “YESSSSSS! C’mon boys, this feels good!” @Max33Verstappen 👏 #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/CCd866pfeC

— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 12, 2020

Watch the awesome lap that powered @Max33Verstappen to pole at the #AbuDhabiGP 🚀🇦🇪 #ChargeOn 🤘 pic.twitter.com/zuI9rJEbeG

— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 12, 2020