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mclaren red bull racing in abu dhabi

Question marks around Red Bull: 'You don't know what they are doing'

25 November 2023 at 12:53
  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

Is Red Bull Racing not McLaren's tormentor for once, it is Mercedes that was suddenly fastest in the third free practice session in Abu Dhabi. The good news for victory-hungry McLaren: the difference between Lando Norris and number one George Russell was minimal - less than a tenth of a second. All in all, it gives the British hope that there is something to be gained in the United Arab Emirates.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown at least has a good feeling about the closing Grand Prix. "Ithink there usually is, and then engine modes, but we're definitely competitive. Mercedes looks really good. Russell, I think, has more to come," the American told Sky Sports.

Brown takes Red Bull into account

Brown has also seen that Red Bull cannot be found at the head of the field for now. Max Verstappen finished the third session sixth, while Sergio Perez even had to settle for a spot outside the top ten (11th). "You don't know what Red Bull was doing. I’d find it hard to believe they won't be right up there when it counts. But I think we're competitive, so feeling pretty good."

Damon Hill, this weekend's analyst for Sky Sports, heard Verstappen complain during FP3. The former F1 champion says:"These cars now are really critical with ride height. Their performance improves dramatically with an adjustment with ride height. I think what he's complaining about more though is hopping. He's not got balance at all and he's not been together with this car in this session. You can't believe he's having an off day can you? It's not typical of him to not drive brilliantly."