P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What Max Verstappen and Red Bull will be looking to after another disappointing sprint Friday
During Friday’s practice sessions, McLaren showed strong performance, while Max Verstappen struggled with his ill-handling Red Bull, reminiscent of a previous race at Sao Paulo. Despite Verstappen’s challenges, his weekend prospects should not be underestimated.
Verstappen’s car suffered a damaged floor during qualifying, leading to a setup reworking for the upcoming grand prix qualifying. He will aim to salvage points in the sprint race after qualifying behind several competitors, including McLarens, a Mercedes, and an Aston Martin.
Verstappen encountered bouncing and aggressive handling issues, particularly on the soft C3 tires used in qualifying. Despite his struggles, he is determined to make adjustments and improve the car’s balance for the races.
The Red Bull team will work tirelessly to address the car’s issues, with potential setup changes based on teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s performance. Verstappen’s challenges could impact the championship race, with Lando Norris also facing qualifying difficulties despite strong pace.
Oscar Piastri secured pole position for the race, showcasing McLaren’s competitive form on the medium-fast corners. George Russell of Mercedes also demonstrated strong performance, particularly on the C3 tire, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive race.
