P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen was gaining on McLaren throughout Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice, but pole was still a shock. Mark Hughes explains how he did it
Max Verstappen’s focus on giving his best effort, regardless of external factors, is proving successful in guiding him to consistent success in his Red Bull car.
Despite facing challenges with setting up his car compared to McLaren’s, Verstappen managed to steadily close the gap during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
By making strategic adjustments and delivering near-flawless laps, Verstappen secured pole position for the race, outperforming his McLaren rivals by 0.2 seconds.
Although McLaren anticipated a competitive performance, Red Bull’s speed and Verstappen’s precision on track ultimately set them apart.
With limited tyre sets for the race, Red Bull’s clever tactics, including a single run in Q2 on used tyres, gave Verstappen the advantage over the McLaren drivers.
Despite running a smaller rear wing, Verstappen’s confidence and expert driving skills allowed him to outperform the McLarens, showcasing his exceptional talent on the track.
