Verstappen Addresses Red Bull's Upgrades Following FP2 Session In Barcelona
F1
Max Verstappen shared his thoughts following the challenging first two practice sessions of the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Red Bull headed to the 10th round of the 2024 season at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as a favorite, as the track here should suit their car very well.
However, the timing sheets from the first two practice sessions didn't really reflect prediction. On the one hand, Red Bull wasn't far behind and was right on pace with everyone.
On the other hand, it seemed like McLaren (which topped FP1), Ferrari, and Mercedes (who topped FP2) could pose a real threat to the team from Milton Keynes.
Speaking to the media after the second session, Verstappen exuded confidence and seemed unbothered by comparison to rivals. He said:
"We just tried a few different set-ups out there, [in] FP1, FP2, so it's just trying to fine-tune a little bit."
"But at least I think the day itself was a bit more normal without any issues, so that's what we were hoping for and now it's about just trying to tidy up a little bit the car, but that's quite normal."
Red Bull did bring some upgrades to Barcelona this weekend, but the triple World Champion downplayed their importance: "They were very tiny, it's nothing too big. But so far, everything is feeling normal."
Red Bull 'Not As Bad As It Seems'
Red Bull's motorsport advisor, who tends to give more insight into Red Bull's position during the weekend, also didn't seem too worried.
Although Red Bull doesn't dominate the weekend quite like last year when Verstappen won every single session, the Austrian team's priority is the race result, and apparently, the long-run pace looks great. Marko told Motorsport-Magazin:
We are not as bad as it seems. In terms of long runs, we are there, but over a lap, we haven't found the balance yet. Unlike others, we have not driven at full power yet.
In terms of who could be the team to challenge Red Bull, the 81-year-old sees McLaren and Mercedes as the two biggest threats after the first two practice sessions.
"I still see McLaren as an opponent. Lewis Hamilton had a very good lap, but we've seen that before. Then, in qualifying, it disappoints again."
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