Max Verstappen has raised concerns over Red Bull’s race pace as the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix looms ahead. Despite showing improvements in one-lap performance during Friday’s practice sessions, the Dutch driver remains wary of the team’s long-run capabilities.
During FP2, Verstappen finished in third place behind Lando Norris, indicating that Red Bull still has work to do to match McLaren’s dominance. Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s performance over extended periods, highlighting the team’s struggles to find an optimal setup for the race.
The Red Bull driver acknowledged the challenges faced in Bahrain due to tire degradation and admitted that similar issues persist on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Verstappen emphasized the need to enhance the car’s long-run pace to compete effectively in Saudi Arabia.
Teammate Yuki Tsunoda showcased promising speed before a crash in the final moments of FP2 prematurely ended his session. Despite setbacks, Verstappen remains hopeful that overnight adjustments can propel Red Bull closer to the front of the grid for qualifying and the race.
With McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes posing strong competition, Red Bull faces a tough battle to regain its dominance in Jeddah. The reigning champions have their work cut out for them as they strive to overcome challenges and emerge victorious in the upcoming Grand Prix.