Max Verstappen has admitted that even reaching the highest 5 within the Dutch Grand Prix will likely be a tricky ask, having endured a tough Friday at his residence occasion.
The four-time and reigning World Champion did not problem apply pacesetter Lando Norris on Friday at a Zandvoort Circuit the place he has gained thrice within the final 4 years.
Verstappen completed the opening practice session sixth, practically a second off Norris’ tempo, and even discovered himself within the gravel at Flip 1 after the chequered flag having locked-up following a apply begin.
Together with his RB21 recovered after changing into caught within the gravel, Verstappen would finish FP2 in fifth however nonetheless six-tenths away from Norris’ McLaren.
“I believe will probably be arduous sufficient to be in that high 5 it appears to be like like,” mentioned Verstappen.
“Nonetheless combating the identical issues and once more we tried a variety of issues with the automobile however it simply does not actually appear to vary something when it comes to my underlying drawback.
“We’ll look over evening to discover a bit extra however I am not going to anticipate a large turnaround. It is simply tough, plus the format of the monitor additionally in all probability does not swimsuit our issues that we’ve got with the automobile.”
Pink Bull staff mate Yuki Tsunoda was nearer to Verstappen on Friday, ending sixteenth and seventh throughout each one-hour periods having suffered a small off in FP1 by way of Flip 12.
The Japanese driver has come beneath mounting strain having failed to attain any factors within the final seven races, with the remaining 10 races the chance to solidify his spot at Red Bull in 2026.
“FP1 began fairly nicely to be sincere. Afterwards I had a couple of issues however if you attempt to extract efficiency it may occur,” he mentioned.
“Clearly it was not excellent [going off] however on the similar time not less than I do know the restrict and FP2 was only a bit extra placing all of it collectively. I believe the brief run went nicely, a little bit of fine-tuning I assume, however the long term, I assume a little bit of limitation I felt extra.”
