Verstappen After Scoring P17 In FP2: 'Like Driving On Ice'

Friday, 22 November 2024 at 18:00

Max Verstappen had a really difficult first two practice sessions at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit and he suggested it felt for him "like driving on ice."

Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen could potentially seal his fourth Championship title in Las Vegas this weekend. However, following the first two practice sessions, it seems it won't at all be easy for the Dutchman.

The triple World Champion finished in P5 in FP1, although a whole second behind Lewis Hamilton in P1. In FP2, Verstappen's best effort was only good enough for P17, though it should be noted that Red Bull did not do their short runs on soft compound tires.

Nevertheless, a report from Motorsport.com suggests that the team from Milton Keynes is 7km/h slower on the straights compared to the leading Mercedes and McLaren.

Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko confirmed after the session that the Austrian team had made a mistake and brought a wrong specification rear wing to Las Vegas, which is costing them some time.

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Speaking to the media after the second practice session as well, Max Verstappen suggested that the setup of the car didn't necessarily feel so bad for him, but he rather had problems with his tires.

"It's slippery, and I think we struggled a lot with making the tires work, over one lap especially."

"The long run started off a bit more competitive, but even there, I think we need to fine-tune a few things. But the one-lap pace is quite far off."

"Of course, it's quite unique conditions around here, and it's very cold. But at the end of the day, it's the same for everyone, so we need to try and understand what we are doing wrong at the moment."