Red Bull’s Max Verstappen believes that Mercedes’ pace recovery is “a good thing” for Formula 1.
This year, Mercedes started the 2022 campaign on the back foot, as teams constructed cars under a brand new set of technical regulations.
Mercedes is still yet to take a race victory across the opening 11 races of the year, although drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken a handful of podium finishes.
In recent races, Mercedes’ form has taken a positive turn as it introduced measures to combat its struggles from early in the season.
Entering the French Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton is coming off the back of three consecutive podium finishes.
The team has not yet been able to consistently challenge at the front of the field against Red Bull and Ferrari, however its rivals have stated that they believe its only a matter of time before the reigning Constructors’ Champions recapture their front-running pace.
As it makes further strides towards winning, Verstappen says that the recovery is a positive situation for F1.
“It is a good thing because it means everyone has to be at 100 per cent to get the points they deserve,” Verstappen said.
“In general for the sport it is better to have three teams fighting. For myself it is better because, with more cars, more things can happen.”
Verstappen ended the second practice session at the Circuit Paul Ricard in second third place, half a second down on pace-setter Carlos Sainz.
Mercedes’ Russell was fourth behind Verstappen, with his lap time two-tenths slower than the Dutchman.
Speaking after the day of on-track running, Verstappen said: “Yes I mean I think FP2 was a little bit more difficult for us; just didn’t really get the balance like we hoped for, but also we are trying a few things with the car.
“So, we’ll have a look at it all for tomorrow and yes, of course try to be closer than what we were today.
“In long runs it’s a bit better but again the tyres are running really hot and it’s very difficult to judge really where you are. But we know of course that we still have a little bit of work to do.”
