Formula 1 News: Verstappen Rivals Predict Multi-Team Battle at Spanish GP, but Red Bull Driver Set to Receive Boost
As the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Max Verstappen’s rivals are anticipating a Canada-style multi-team battle, but a crucial set-up change is on the horizon to boost the Red Bull driver’s chances.
Following the conclusion of FP2 at Barcelona, the top three drivers – Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, and McLaren’s Lando Norris – were separated by a mere 0.055s. Meanwhile, Verstappen finished fifth, 0.240s off Hamilton’s leading time, behind Pierre Gasly of Alpine.
Norris likened the battle at the front of the field to the intense competition seen in Canada, stating, >”It’s close again – like it was in Canada.” He emphasized the importance of fine-tuning small details ahead of qualifying.
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, echoed Norris’ sentiments, saying, >”I think it was a bit of a tricky day with the track conditions. It was very hot and lower grip than a lot of us expected. I think we’re in a pretty solid place, but it just looks pretty tight. The long-run pace looked pretty good as well.”
Hamilton, who felt his day started off “so-so” in FP1, was cautiously optimistic about his Mercedes’ chances, saying, >”I think we’ve got some work to do to improve it overnight and to see if we can hold onto the Red Bulls and the Ferraris and McLarens.”
Verstappen, however, remained unperturbed by his relatively low position, attributing his performance to experimental set-ups in FP1 and FP2. He emphasized the importance of “tidying up a little bit the car” ahead of the weekend.
The key to Red Bull’s confidence lies in Verstappen’s anticipated switch to a higher downforce rear wing package, which will bring two significant advantages. It will reduce sliding in corners, thereby minimizing overheating of soft tyres over a flying lap, and extend tyre life over a race stint.
In an analysis of the FP2-ending long-runs, even with the current rear wing arrangement, Verstappen displayed an edge in laptime averages, albeit with signs of degradation likely exacerbated by his lower downforce level.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has already hinted at the team’s plans to alter Verstappen’s rear wing arrangement on Saturday, citing the need to find the ideal balance for Sunday’s race.
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