Max Verstappen remains upbeat after not leading the timesheets in Bahrain’s F1 practice, focusing on race prep and car balance.
Max Verstappen is confident after the first day of free practice at the 2024 Bahrain F1 Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver was not at the top of the timing sheet, but he is not overly concerned about his single-lap pace, focusing instead on acclimatizing to the RB20 and working on race simulations.
“I think it wasn’t too bad. It’s just that I think it’s very close. We just need to focus on ourselves, and I think today there were some minor balance issues between the front and the rear,” Verstappen said.
“Once you find it, you gain time, and that’s what we’re going to try to focus on a bit more tomorrow. It’s just about trying to get into the groove and feel a bit happier with the car.”
“But in the end, we also want to focus a bit on the long runs because that’s where the car really needs to work. Of course, qualifying is important, but we need to make sure the car is in good shape for the race.”
Verstappen Cautious, Rivals Sharpen Pace
The Dutchman believes some of his rivals have focused more on extracting intrinsic performance, which explains why he’s a bit behind on a quick lap.
“I’m not saying everyone around us did it, but some did, so I’m not too worried about the gap to the first place, for example, but I think it will be very close in qualifying. On the long runs, I’m a bit happier, but again, there are a few small things we can do better.”
Sergio Pérez is pleased with his day and believes progress will be made in all conditions: “It was as we expected, Bahrain is challenging, we have to learn the track between the sessions. We explored the car well, and overall, it was a good day.”
“The good thing is that everything we do on performance runs seems to help on the long runs. We have a goal, which is to have a more balanced car, and it will be positive in qualifying and the race.”
He again tempers the presumed advantage of Red Bull over the competition: “A lot of people were saying we had a second advantage, things like that, and I was laughing in their faces because it’s much closer and much more competitive. I expect a tight battle tomorrow.”
Verstappen Bahrain F1 Practice. Verstappen Bahrain F1 Practice
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