Marko Hints Red Bull Prioritizes Race Pace Over Pole for Verstappen in Abu Dhabi
Helmut Marko indicates Red Bull is focusing on optimizing Max Verstappen's car for race pace in Abu Dhabi, rather than strictly aiming for pole position, as overtaking is more feasible there. Verstappen struggled with understeer and was behind Lando Norris in practice, prompting a strategic shift to ensure a competitive Grand Prix performance.
Red Bull's Helmut Marko suggests the team is prioritizing race performance over securing pole position for Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, despite Verstappen's struggles with pace during the opening day. The focus is on optimizing the car for the Grand Prix itself, where overtaking is more feasible.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's strategic shift to prioritize race pace over a single-lap qualifying performance indicates a pragmatic approach to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This decision could impact the starting grid but aims to maximize Verstappen's chances for a strong finish, acknowledging McLaren's strong qualifying form at Yas Marina.
The details:
- Max Verstappen finished the first day of practice behind Lando Norris, nearly four tenths slower over a single lap.
- His long-run simulations showed an average race pace about three tenths slower than Norris.
- Understeer Issues: Marko noted Verstappen "complained about understeer, and that's something he doesn't like at all," suggesting a fundamental balance issue Red Bull needs to address.
- Overtaking Feasibility: Unlike the Qatar Grand Prix, Marko emphasized that overtaking is "far easier" in Abu Dhabi, reducing the pressure to start from pole position.
- Verstappen's Assessment: Verstappen acknowledged the RB21 felt "pretty okay" but admitted it's "still not quick enough" to genuinely challenge McLaren.
Between the lines:
Red Bull's decision reflects a deeper understanding of the Yas Marina circuit's characteristics and the relative strengths of their rivals. While McLaren has historically shown strong qualifying pace here, a car optimized for race distance, even starting a few positions back, could prove more effective. This strategy also subtly acknowledges the current competitive landscape, where McLaren appears to have an edge in single-lap performance.
What's next:
Red Bull will focus on refining the RB21's setup to eliminate understeer and improve its long-run pace ahead of qualifying and the race. If they succeed, Verstappen could still be a formidable challenger on Sunday, even if he doesn't start from the front row. The upcoming qualifying session will reveal how much ground they've managed to cover, but the ultimate test will be Sunday's race performance.