P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has explained where he believes Red Bull is trailing McLaren after the Woking team established itself as a close challenger for being the fastest on outright pace.
Max Verstappen has acknowledged that McLaren currently holds a performance advantage over Red Bull, particularly in terms of consistency and their ability to excel at various tracks. Despite McLaren slipping behind Ferrari in the standings, they have shown to have the second-best car, with the potential to be the fastest in specific circuits. Verstappen highlighted McLaren’s strength in tyre management, which allowed them to be competitive throughout races. Red Bull faced challenges with tyre degradation and kerb-riding issues, which they aim to improve upon for the next season. Verstappen’s battle with Lando Norris in Barcelona showcased McLaren’s prowess, prompting Red Bull to address their own shortcomings.