‘Hopefully’: Max Verstappen sees one potential reason for ‘better race’ for Red Bull at F1 Saudi Arabian GP
Max Verstappen is cautiously optimistic about Red Bull’s prospects at the upcoming F1 Saudi Arabian GP. After a frustrating Bahrain Grand Prix where he finished sixth due to brake, balance, and tire issues, Verstappen hopes that improvements to the car will lead to a better performance in Jeddah.
Key Challenges
– *Car Performance*: Verstappen emphasized that the team’s focus should be on improving the car’s performance, making it more predictable, and finding more pace. This, he believes, will help both drivers deliver better results.
– *Brake and Tire Issues*: Red Bull struggled with brake and tire problems in Bahrain, which hindered their performance. Resolving these issues will be crucial for a successful weekend in Saudi Arabia ¹ ².
Expectations
– *Tighter Competition*: The gap between the top teams is small, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris showing strong form. Red Bull will need to address their issues to stay competitive.
– *Contract Concerns*: Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has been questioned due to the team’s current struggles. He has a contract until 2028, but performance clauses could affect his decision to stay ² ³.
Potential Solutions
– *Car Upgrades*: Red Bull is working on improving the RB21’s performance, and Verstappen is hopeful that these upgrades will bring better results in Saudi Arabia.
– *Better Strategy*: The team will need to execute their strategy flawlessly to maximize their chances of success ¹.
