Verstappen Voices Concern After Disrupted Las Vegas GP Friday
Max Verstappen has expressed concerns about Red Bull Racing's performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after a difficult Friday practice. Citing a lack of grip and the unique, cold track conditions, Verstappen tempered expectations for Red Bull's usual dominance, suggesting the team needs significant improvements to be competitive. This opens up the possibility for a more unpredictable race weekend.
Max Verstappen has downplayed expectations for Red Bull Racing's dominance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, citing a challenging Friday practice and the need for significant car improvements, especially concerning grip on the new, cold track surface.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's usual dominance has been tested on the unique Las Vegas street circuit, a stark contrast to their typical performance on low-downforce tracks. Verstappen's caution signals a potentially more competitive race weekend than many expected, with other teams seemingly finding pace more readily in the tricky conditions.
The details:
- Disrupted Practice: The second practice session was heavily interrupted, making it difficult for teams to gather consistent data and understand tire performance.
- Grip Issues: Verstappen specifically highlighted the need to "find more grip out there," indicating the car struggled with traction on the newly laid, cold asphalt.
- Track Evolution: The circuit is expected to improve significantly with more running, posing a challenge for teams to predict optimal setups for qualifying and the race.
- FP1 vs. FP2 Performance: While Verstappen was P4 in the first session, Red Bull's pace dropped significantly in FP2, with Verstappen finishing ninth and teammate Yuki Tsunoda 15th, far off the front-runners.
- Unique Conditions: Verstappen emphasized that despite being a low-downforce track, Las Vegas's cold temperatures and slippery surface make it incomparable to other circuits where Red Bull typically excels. "It's not a given that you will be quick here," he stated.
The big picture:
Red Bull's struggle to find immediate dominance on a new, challenging street circuit could open the door for other teams to contend for pole and the win. Mercedes and Ferrari have shown strong pace in cooler conditions this season, and McLaren often thrives on evolving tracks. This could lead to an unpredictable race, a welcome change for fans after Red Bull's near-complete domination of the 2023 season.
What's next:
Teams will be working overnight to analyze limited data and make crucial setup changes ahead of Saturday's qualifying session. The track is expected to rubber in further, potentially shifting the competitive order once again. The team that best adapts to the rapidly evolving conditions will have a significant advantage in qualifying and the race.