Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is hopeful the team can “get involved and make up ground” during the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver made it through to the top 10 shootout and ended the session fifth fastest, just under one second slower than polesitter Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking time.
Verstappen knew the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve would not compliment the RB13 but he is optimistic the car will be more competitive in race-trim.
“We know that this circuit is not our favourite and doesn’t particularly suit us so P5 was the best we could aim for, we achieved that so I’m pleased with the result,” he said.
“Ferrari and Mercedes are able to turn their engines up and find that extra pace; we can’t do that at the moment.
“During the race the engine power difference is slightly less as they cannot run at that level for an entire race, this means we can try to get involved and make ground.
“I think our race pace looks OK for tomorrow, if we can keep fifth that is the first goal, then we can see what happens in front of us.
“We are constantly working hard to improve the car. The upgrades we have got this weekend have worked really well which proves we are going in the right direction.”
