Verstappen 'Fairly Happy' with Red Bull's Progress, But McLaren Still Holds Pace Advantage

Max Verstappen concluded the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a positive outlook on Red Bull's improvements, yet acknowledged a clear reality: Lando Norris and McLaren currently hold the competitive edge.

Why it matters:

• With a 12-point deficit to overcome in the title decider, every fraction of a second in performance is critical for Verstappen.
• His candid assessment highlights the intense pressure and tight margins in a championship battle, emphasizing that even minor gaps can be decisive.
• The ongoing fight for pace underscores the competitive nature of F1, where even dominant teams like Red Bull must constantly push for improvements.

The Details:

• Verstappen finished second in both Friday practice sessions at Yas Marina, trailing the championship leader, Lando Norris, each time.
• Despite not being a monumental gap, Verstappen explicitly stated that the team needs to be "a little bit faster" and is "still not quick enough."
• He expressed satisfaction with the car's overall feel, indicating that Red Bull is "in a decent window around here" for their current performance level.
• Persistent Challenge: When asked about the car's ride, which he'd previously criticized for vibrations, Verstappen confirmed it's a "constant fight, yeah, that's nothing new," implying an ongoing struggle with car behavior.
• McLaren demonstrated strong pace, with Norris topping both sessions. While Oscar Piastri's 11th place in FP2 might seem an outlier, the overall McLaren performance suggests a significant challenge for Red Bull.

What's next:

Verstappen's cautious optimism points to a focused effort from Red Bull overnight to bridge the performance gap.

• He acknowledged the "decent gap that we need to close" and emphasized the team's commitment to presenting "the best car forward."
• The priority for Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race includes improving both "single lap and long run" pace to effectively compete against McLaren.
• The championship outcome hinges on Red Bull's ability to find that crucial extra pace in the next 48 hours. Verstappen's frankness indicates a clear understanding of the challenge ahead.