Max Verstappen, the Dutch prodigy and Red Bull Racing’s star driver, faced a rollercoaster of emotions during the second free practice session (FP2) at the Grand Prix. His candid remarks shed light on the team’s struggles and the formidable competition they’re up against.
Verstappen’s frustration was palpable as he stepped out of his RB18 after FP2. “I don’t think I can describe what is going on,” he admitted. “It’s difficult, but not entirely unexpected. This is shaping up to be the worst possible outcome of the weekend.”
Max Verstappen is not too optimistic after FP2:
"I don't think I can describe what is going on. It's difficult, but not what I did not expect. The worst possible outcome of the weekend. The bumps, kerbs and camber changes, we lose a lot of laptime, as the car struggles to… pic.twitter.com/JVkk7L82t7
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 24, 2024
The track conditions played a significant role in Verstappen’s woes. The bumps, aggressive kerbs, and tricky camber changes disrupted the car’s balance. As a result, lap times suffered, leaving the Red Bull team scratching their heads.
Verstappen emphasized that some issues couldn’t be resolved through setup changes. “These things we can’t alter with setup adjustments,” he explained. “It’s inherent to how the car is designed.” While the team could make minor tweaks overnight, the fundamental characteristics remained fixed.
Verstappen’s focus shifted to the competition. “They [Ferrari] are miles ahead,” he acknowledged. “I’m not even thinking about that right now.” The Scuderia Ferrari team had found an extra gear, leaving Red Bull Racing trailing. Verstappen’s determination, however, centered on improving drivability.
Max Verstappen Edges Out Charles Leclerc by a Whisker in Monaco FP2
The streets of Monaco witnessed intense battles during Friday practice ahead of the Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc locked horns, with Verstappen emerging as the slight favorite.
In the second free practice session (FP2), Verstappen showcased his prowess, finishing just 0.01 seconds ahead of Leclerc. The margin was razor-thin, but it spoke volumes about the competitive spirit between the two drivers.
According to https://t.co/42XicoYcrC, Red Bull and Ferrari are split by 0.01s with McLaren being the third fastest team 0.08s behind. pic.twitter.com/bqUgCSGOCE
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) May 24, 2024
Max Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by the iconic Monaco circuit. “It’s difficult,” he admitted. “There are a lot of bumps, kerbs, and camber changes on the track, and for us, that is basically impossible to take.” Despite the hurdles, Max Verstappen managed to extract every ounce of performance from his Red Bull car.
As the teams fine-tune their setups and analyze data, Saturday’s qualifying session promises fireworks. Verstappen’s narrow lead over Leclerc sets the stage for an exhilarating fight for pole position. Both drivers know that every fraction of a second matters on the tight and unforgiving streets of Monaco.
