The Red Bull driver beat m𒁃ain F1 title rival Lewis Hamilton to pole at Paul Ricard by 0.258s with a sensational lap to top qualifying for the first time since the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Verstappen generally looked the pace-setter all weekend having topped FP2 and FP3 but said changes made🐠 in second practice ultimately helped him to unlock more potential from his RB16B.

“So far it’s been a really positive weekend on a track where normally it’s been a 💮bit difficult for us,” Verstappen said.

“I think yesterday, FP2 was a bit of a turnaround and just made🥀 it even better today so, of course, to getꦰ pole position was really nice.

“Of course no points are scored toda𝐆y, but for us it’s been a great day and of course we have to finish it off tomorrow and try and🔯 get the 25 points we lost in Baku.

“But 🐓yeah, it’s great promise from our side and🌳 I hope that we can keep it up.”

The Dutchman, who holds a four-point championship lead over Hamilton heading into Sunday’s race, explained how the tweaks aided him on his way to sealiꩵng Red Bull’s first-ever pole in Francღe.

“I think from yesterday, F𝓀P2, we made a good step forward, and basically that continued today,” he explained.

“Most of the time we are quite happy starting a weekend but you still improve and ch🗹ange things on the car.

“FP1 I wasn’t entirely happy so we made quite a few changes and it was immediately a lot better, but sometimes it is about preparation as well befor𝓰e you get here.”