Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull has to understand how much downforce it needs to run at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, in order to maximise its chances.
Red Bull, which won in Malaysia courtesy of Max Verstappen, was in the mix again during Friday’s dry running at Suzuka, with Ricciardo placing third, behind Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
Red Bull typically has to accommodate for its engine shortfall compared to its primary rivals, but Ricciardo feels that the situation was not optimised on Friday at Suzuka.
“This morning in the dry we went out early because we thought the rain was going to come at the end of the session and we did quite a lot of running,” said Ricciardo.
“Ferrari was quite strong and Mercedes always turns it up on a Saturday so we still have some pace to find, but the balance was pretty good and overall it was a good morning.
“We were losing a bit on the straight which I don’t think was all engine today.
“It looked like we had more downforce so we need to see if this is the best set-up for us or if we can find a better compromise for the corners and the straights.
“I do think next year they should change things a bit, we get an extra set of intermediate tyres on a Friday but not extremes which is why we didn’t run in FP2.
“There is a high chance of rain again tomorrow so we may need to save them for when it counts in qualifying.”
Verstappen, who finished sixth in the dry running, added: “Mercedes look strong as usual, Ferrari I’m not sure about but I think we are close and that is the positive thing.”
