P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Will Max Verstappen’s straight-line speed make the difference in the sprint race at Spa?
Max Verstappen expressed skepticism about Red Bull’s straight-line speed advantage enabling them to compete with McLaren in the F1 sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix, starting from second on the grid. Despite a low downforce setup, Verstappen had a 0.2s advantage over McLaren in the first sector, providing hope for a strong start and potential overtaking opportunities. Verstappen acknowledged McLaren’s significant advantage and emphasized the need to focus on their own race strategy. While pleased to split the McLarens in qualifying, Verstappen highlighted the importance of working on car balance and performance to keep up with the competition. Despite challenges in gauging the impact of recent upgrades, Verstappen remained optimistic about Red Bull’s ongoing development throughout the season.
