Red Bull Faces Challenges in Bahrain
Red Bull’s performance during Friday’s practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix raised concerns within the team. After experiencing struggles with grip and speed, both Max Verstappen and senior advisor Helmut Marko agreed that their car lacked competitiveness, finishing significantly behind McLaren.
Performance Observations
After a promising win in Japan the week prior, expectations for Red Bull were high. However, Verstappen ended the day approximately eight-tenths of a second behind the pace set by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who led FP2. McLaren’s Lando Norris also performed well, highlighting that their initial session results did not necessarily reflect the overall state of their competition.
Insights from Drivers
Verstappen, returning for FP2 after a rookie participated in FP1, admitted to struggling with grip and balance throughout the session. “We are too slow,” he stated, expressing frustration with the car’s performance and emphasizing the need for improvements in the setup. Marko echoed these sentiments, clearly indicating a lack of confidence in the current form of the Red Bull.
Tire Management Challenges
The high track temperatures in Bahrain posed additional challenges for tire management, crucial for optimal performance. Verstappen’s feedback indicated that the team is still refining their tire strategy, with the extreme conditions affecting their competitiveness during long runs.
Looking Ahead
Despite a slower practice session, both Norris and Piastri of McLaren remain cautiously optimistic about their position, understanding that rival teams might not have fully showcased their capabilities yet. As race day approaches, the drivers stress the importance of maintaining a balanced car setup and consistent pace to succeed against tough competition.
Team Developments
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri finished well down the order in practice, citing recent changes to his car’s setup as a factor in his performance. The team is hopeful for improvements in their subsequent sessions.
