P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen feels Red Bull will be at a major disadvantage in the Bahrain Grand Prix compared to McLaren.
Max Verstappen is concerned that a weakness in Red Bull’s performance may be exposed during the Bahrain Grand Prix, potentially giving McLaren the upper hand in the competition. Despite being just one point behind Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, Verstappen is wary of the challenges posed by the Sakhir circuit, known for its abrasive surface and high tire wear. The Dutch driver highlighted Red Bull’s struggles with tire degradation in previous races and acknowledged that the hot conditions in Bahrain could further exacerbate these issues. Verstappen emphasized the need for his team to make improvements to the car’s performance and tire management in order to stay competitive against McLaren. Despite Red Bull’s past success in hot conditions, Verstappen recognizes the evolving nature of Formula 1 and the need for constant adaptation and improvement.