F1 News
Verstappen critical of Red Bull: 'You can always promise, but let's see it'
After the first two free practice sessions of the weekend, Max Verstappen was a lot less optimistic about Red Bull situation than top advisor Helmut Marko. While the Austrian believes they should be around the second row of the grid in qualifying in Melbourne, the defending world champion would be happy just to get through to Q3 on Saturday.
"We are just too slow. The biggest problem is actually that the balance is not very bad, but we just don't have enough grip," Verstappen began to explain his thoughts to Viaplay.
The Dutchman also explained he had the same experience already two-weeks ago in Bahrain. "Yes, I already said that after testing that that was the problem. For me, what's happening now is not particularly good or particularly bad, it's just what I expected."
Red Bull are confident they will be able to fix these issues early on this season, and they have already brought a stunning number of 17 updates to the first weekend of the campaign. Marko also agreed with the sentiment of bringing more updates early.
However, Verstappen would rather see that on track himself instead of just promises. "Time will tell. We can all shout it and say it, but we also have to show whether it can be done. Everyone has that ability, of course, but you have to understand it. You do have to know where to improve."
"I'm not an aerodynamics specialist myself. I can't design a suspension. I only drive what is given to me and I will always give my feedback on that, but I cannot tell you how to design a front wing."
Verstappen doesn't agree with Marko's prediction
On Friday, Verstappen finished in P5 and P7 in the two free practice sessions. After FP2, Marko was still positive about Red Bull's chances, and even as he believes are McLaren would be hard to catch, they could be in the mix with Ferrari and Mercedes. Verstappen however was not on the same page.
"If we are on the second row of the grid tomorrow, we will have done very well, but I don't see that happening myself. Absolutely not. If we make Q3 we'll do well. I certainly don't expect myself on the first two starting rows," he concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaij
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