Verstappen Battles Red Bull Car Ahead of Abu Dhabi Decider
Max Verstappen is grappling with persistent balance issues in his Red Bull car, a "constant fight" that saw him trail title rival Lando Norris in both Friday practice sessions for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His championship hopes depend on finding significant improvements overnight to secure a crucial win.
Max Verstappen is locked in a "constant fight" with his Red Bull car, struggling with balance issues as he trails Lando Norris in practice sessions for the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's championship hopes hinge on overcoming these car issues. To secure the title, he must win the race while Norris finishes fourth or lower. The balance problems he's experiencing could severely hinder his ability to extract maximum performance, making a crucial weekend even more challenging.
The Details:
- Verstappen finished behind Lando Norris in both Friday practice sessions at Yas Marina, indicating a potential pace deficit.
- He repeatedly reported balance issues with his RB21 throughout the day.
- Despite the car being in a "decent window," Verstappen described his struggle with the car as a "constant" and familiar problem.
- He acknowledged that both single-lap and long-run pace need significant improvement to challenge for the win.
What's next:
Verstappen and Red Bull engineers will work overnight to find improvements. Given the critical nature of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, resolving these persistent balance issues will be paramount for Verstappen's championship bid. The pressure is on to deliver a car capable of outperforming Norris and McLaren.