Max Verstappen has downplayed Red Bull’s chances of fighting for victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, acknowledging the team’s struggles in Friday practice. The Dutchman’s P17 finish in FP2 underscored the challenges Red Bull faces as McLaren continues to dominate the pace chart at Yas Marina Circuit.
Verstappen: “Fighting for Top Six Would Be a Good Recovery”
Verstappen’s limited track time—having missed FP1 as Isack Hadjar drove his chassis—left him grappling with a car he described as “tricky” in FP2. He openly admitted that Red Bull is unlikely to match McLaren’s blistering speed this weekend.
“I’m sure that we can do better,” Verstappen said. “I’m not saying that we’ll be at McLaren’s level because they seem very quick so far this weekend. But at least if we can fight in that top six, that’ll be a good recovery because so far it’s been quite tricky.”
Persistent Car Issues: Engine and Understeer Woes
The FP2 session was a frustrating one for Verstappen, who vented his dissatisfaction over team radio. He highlighted issues with low RPM engine response and described the understeer as “ridiculous,” hampering his ability to push the RB20 to competitive lap times.
Verstappen: “Mate, the engine does not pick up on exit, like just low RPM, it’s terrible.”
Engineer: “The engine drivability low RPM, Max?”
Verstappen: “Yeah, just power. Still the understeer is ridiculous.”
Challenges for Red Bull in 2024
The 2024 season has been one of ups and downs for Red Bull. While Verstappen secured the Drivers’ Championship early, the team faltered in the Constructors’ standings, ultimately losing out to McLaren. Red Bull’s struggles with balance, engine performance, and one-lap pace have been persistent throughout the season, culminating in a difficult finale.
Compounding the team’s issues, Sergio Perez’s underwhelming performance has fueled speculation about his future with Red Bull. With talks of potential replacements for 2025, Red Bull faces significant pressure to address its shortcomings in the off-season.
McLaren Leads the Pack
As Red Bull wrestles with its challenges, McLaren continues to shine, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri setting the benchmark in FP2. The Woking-based team’s superior pace and tire management make them the clear favorites for the final race of the season, leaving Red Bull playing catch-up.
Looking Ahead
For Verstappen, the focus is on damage limitation in Abu Dhabi. With the team aiming to improve overnight, the Dutchman will look to extract the maximum from a car that has proven unpredictable throughout the weekend. As qualifying looms, Red Bull’s ability to recover could define their season finale.
Key Takeaways
- Verstappen’s Realistic Goals: Fighting for a top-six finish is the primary target for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi.
- Persistent Technical Issues: Engine drivability and severe understeer continue to hamper the RB20’s performance.
- McLaren Dominates: Red Bull’s struggles contrast sharply with McLaren’s commanding pace.
- Pressure on Perez: Ongoing speculation about Perez’s future adds to Red Bull’s end-of-season woes.