Max Verstappen “Not So Happy” With Red Bull F1’s Current Balance After a Difficult Practice
Follow Us
Practice at the Hungaroring on Friday kicked off with Mercedes ruling the roost as usual. However, the same could not be said for Red Bull as they struggled in both sessions. This prompted Max Verstappen to confess that the team has its work cut out.
In the first session, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes reigned supreme with a 1-2, while Verstappen came up eighth. As a further blow to the teeth, the Briton set the fastest lap on the hard tire, while Verstappen was 1.4 seconds behind.
The situation in the Red Bull camp was so bad that Verstappen dove into the pits early and told his engineer, “This is bad!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
To make matters worse, the second session was wet. Therefore, the Dutchman could not gain much feedback. Once the session ended, he found himself languishing in seventh place.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said, “Plenty to look into, and of course, a little bit of a shame that it was raining in the second practice. Otherwise, I think we already could have had a look. But yeah, a lot of work to do.
“[I’m] not so happy, but luckily we have a night to look at it, and make some changes and try to do better tomorrow.”
Christian Horner Reveals Where Red Bull Has the Edge Over Mercedes F1
What did Max Verstappen say about the car?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Further elaborating on the RB16’s weaknesses, he admitted that the primary focus is maintaining balance. Additionally, Alexander Albon revealed that he often found the car rather unpredictable.
Listening to the drivers’ complaints, it does cast worrying signs since many consider Red Bull as Mercedes’ main rival this time around. There were suggestions that they could do well in Hungary because of the pace in Austria’s slow-speed corners.
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Sebastian Vettel Reveals Texting Lewis Hamilton Directly After His ‘Surprising’ Ferrari Announcement
March 28, 2024 01:17 PM EDT
Fernando Alonso Offered “Lucrative Multi-Year Contract” by Aston Martin After Christian Horner’s ‘Big Intentions’ to Sign Him
March 28, 2024 10:36 AM EDT
“All Spanish Aston Martin Next Year”: Carlos Sainz Could Join Fernando Alonso in 2025 as Bad News Awaits Lance Stroll, Predicts Eddie Jordan
March 28, 2024 02:18 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Interestingly, Albon admitted that his struggles with the car followed a trend that was present through the opening two races as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’d say it’s quite similar. But there definitely have been places, like in race two we made a big improvement,” Albon said. “Then coming here, it just hasn’t followed through as nice as we expected.”
Hopefully, for Red Bull’s and Max Verstappen’s sake, the Milton-Keynes-based outfit will get their issues sorted out ahead of the race.