Max Verstappen criticizes lack of pace after Friday’s practice session at Zandvoort: Christian Horner remains confident, at least with a view to the world championship
With three wins behind him, Max Verstappen is still unbeaten at his home race in Zandvoort since the return of the traditional circuit to the Formula 1 calendar. The problem for the Dutchman ahead of his next appearance on the North Sea coast, however, is that the old successes are of no help in the current situation, in which Verstappen has been waiting for a win for four races
On Friday in Zandvoort, there is initially little to suggest that the world champion can put a stop to his misery in front of his home fans of all people – Verstappen can do no better than fifth place, behind the two recently strong Mercedes and McLaren.
At least the gap of 0.284 seconds is manageable: Team-mate Sergio Perez, who finished a further six tenths behind in twelfth place, reveals that Red Bull’s true potential could look a little worse, however.
Verstappen puzzled: “There is no clear answer ”
“Of course, we didn’t get to drive much in the first practice session,” explained Verstappen after Friday at Zandvoort, “but the weather cleared up for the second session and we were able to see a bit more where we stand.” One thing is certain for the championship leader: “We didn’t quite have the pace, both on the long runs and over one lap.”
The Red Bull star admits: “There is no clear answer as to how we can improve this, but we are obviously looking at things. But that’s where we’ve been the last few races, so it’s no surprise,” says Verstappen, who nevertheless demands: ”We need to find a bit more form tomorrow before qualifying.”
However, team boss Christian Horner is not worried by the first impressions after the summer break on Friday: “It’s obviously very close, and we obviously don’t know the fuel quantity and engine settings, but I expect it to be very close tomorrow as well,” said the Briton on Sky.
Horner is also looking to the skies and the weather radar, as there is a threat of more trouble from above: “It depends on what the weather does. The forecast looks terrible,” explains the Red Bull team principal with regard to Saturday: ‘Sunday looks good, but yes, it will certainly be close. ’
Horner: “Competition has tightened up ”
Although the competition has caught up considerably and Red Bull is disputing the individual race wins – as we all know, things are less tight in the World Championship, which Verstappen still leads comfortably by 78 points thanks to his strong start to the season. But Horner does not want to lull his colors into a sense of security: “Ten races is still a lot of wood in terms of points,” he says.
“But we won seven of the first 14 (races). We also qualified first in nine of them. We won two sprint races. But yes, the competition has tightened up and we have to fire on all cylinders with both cars,” he also takes Sergio Perez to task, who will be able to keep his cockpit at Red Bull after the break.
The fact that his team has never scored the most points in the last four races has not gone unnoticed by Horner, who is therefore increasing the pressure: “That was because we weren’t up there with both cars. We are aware of that, but we also had engine penalties and retirements,” says Horner, reiterating: ‘We know what we have to do to turn it around and I am confident that we will succeed. ’
