P1racenews AI automatic summary:
“The race, of course, is a completely different story because if we’re overheating over one lap then the race isn’t going to be easy.”
Max Verstappen has warned that Red Bull’s tendency to overheat their tyres could jeopardize their chances of winning the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Verstappen will start the race at Imola from second on the grid, with less than a tenth of a second gap between him and pole sitter Oscar Piastri. The close qualifying session sets up an exciting battle between Piastri and Verstappen in the upcoming race. Verstappen praised the improvements made by Red Bull overnight, but expressed concerns about the longevity of the tyres during the race. With McLaren able to manage their tyres well, Verstappen fears Red Bull may struggle to keep up in the race. Despite the challenges, Verstappen emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own performance and maximizing their potential in the car. As he trails behind Piastri by 32 points in the championship, Red Bull is hoping their upgrades and the upcoming FIA regulation changes will help Verstappen close the gap and stay competitive in the title fight.