Verstappen is “not in the rhythm” at the end of Free Practice
Despite a good first day of Free Practice, Max Verstappen did not feel in rhythm during the two sessions on Friday.
At the end of the first Free Practice session, Max Verstappen placed himself at the top of the timesheet, with a time of 1’18″790, the only one to be under 1’19. In the second session, rain made its way onto the track, but the Dutch driver still managed to finish third. However, the reigning world champion didn’t feel in sync nevertheless.
During the first session, the Dutch driver once again encountered a braking and gear shifting issue, a recurring problem with his car since the start of the season.
At the end of the Trials, he wasn’t thrilled with his day: “We never really got into a window where I felt I had total control of the tires,” he laments.
Verstappen, among other things, complained about the lack of grip on the track. The asphalt here is slippery and there is little grip. This makes it difficult to get the tires working, and it’s particularly challenging if you want to leave the pit immediately, emphasizes the Red Bull driver.
The championship leader also wanted to reassure everyone about his health. As a reminder, the Dutchman had to miss Friday’s session in Jeddah due to illness.
(I) I’m fine now, I feel what I want to feel, and it’s also important if you want to have a good weekend, he says.
On Saturday, it will probably be dry, so the emphasis is placed on that, and on a dry track, it’s already quite challenging.
