Max Verstappen admits Red Bull is “too slow” after the opening two practice session in Monaco, calling it the “most difficult weekend” of the season so far.
Red Bull were tipped by many as favourites for Formula 1’s return to Monaco after its car proved quick in slow-speed corners at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who is aiming to secure his first top-three finish in Monte Carlo, could only clock the fourth-fastest time in FP2, finishing behind a surprise Ferrari one-two and championship rival Lewis Hamilton.
Reflecting on his struggles during the session, Verstappen said he didn’t feel comfortable in the RB16B compared to previous races.
“We are too slow, and not just a little bit, I think quite a bit,” Verstappen said.
“So we need to really find some pace because everyone has traffic. You have to look a bit more to optimum lap times, so optimum sectors, and we are quite off.
“It also didn’t feel great to drive. Normally I’m quite comfortable in the car, I can quite easily get to a pace, but it all takes too long and it’s not how I like it.
“So far, [it is] the most difficult weekend.”
Verstappen was left “surprised” by Ferrari’s pace on Thursday, echoing Hamilton’s thoughts that the Italian outfit looked “really strong” and even going as far to say it showed how much Red Bull is struggling.
“I’m just surprised how competitive Ferrari is, but I think it just shows that we are pretty weak,” Verstappen said.
“They’re doing very well, and we are very weak, so then the offset is very big.
“We luckily of course have a free day tomorrow, so can look into things. But a lot of things need to change I think.”
Asked if believed Ferrari’s pace was genuine, Verstappen replied: “The gap they have is big around here. And so we need to improve a lot to match that.”
Comments.
Loading comments…