Despite a series of complications that prevented Max Verstappen from running on Friday, the driver was capable of taking pole position on Saturday. After the first few laps, his name was at the top of the time list, although at the end of the session things went awry, with a result that left the driver unsatisfied, but also Christian Horner , the team manager.
“It was a bit unlucky. Ferrari did well but the margins are very small. After the first couple of runs it looked good, yes, but on the second try he made a mistake after turn 4. Unfortunately that was it for Max. [Verstappen],” said the Red Bull Racing manager.
Ferrari , meanwhile, made the most of the session by hogging the front row of the starting grid against Red Bull. However, that did not dampen Horner’s mood.
“Overall, it was a good recovery for Max. He was way behind after what happened in practice, especially in terms of laps, and on Saturday he had to get familiar with the track. So in that sense, we’ve recovered well. “.
“Our top speed is also good and so we have a strong car for the race. I think there are also some places where you can overtake,” said the British manager as he thought about Sunday’s race.
Top speed is a weapon on which Red Bull is basing its hopes on Sunday, although the race through Hard Rock Stadium will likely require more than that. For example, the free practice sessions left several red flags, so the presence of a safety car is expected this Sunday.
Asked what it would take to triumph over the Scuderia, Horner said: “Ferrari is very strong here, so the strategy needs to be right and maybe we need a bit of luck as well. The weather is getting better, although something is forecast of rain for tomorrow, so it could be a chaotic race.
“From a driver’s perspective, this track may not be as fun as Silverstone or Suzuka, because if you make a small mistake you are immediately penalized. That’s what makes the race so fascinating. So we may need a bit of luck [for the race], but I also think we have a good car for this Sunday,” Horner concluded.
