Max Verstappen has revealed that Red Bull trialled an alternative out-lap plan in a forlorn bid to get closer to McLaren in qualifying for Formula 1‘s Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen was unable to trouble McLaren’s might over one lap in Barcelona as he qualified in third position, more than three tenths down on pole-sitter Oscar Piastri.
The Dutchman, whose team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was eliminated in Q1, languished in eighth prior to his last run, but he was able to salvage a second-row starting spot.
Verstappen revealed that his margin to McLaren in the opening two segments inspired Red Bull to commit to a different approach with the out-lap on his initial Q3 lap.
However, Red Bull’s gamble did not work on this occasion as Verstappen conceded that it didn’t cure the consistent struggle that he was encountering at the first turn.
“It was fine. I think it was consistently the same delta behind,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week. “So Q1, Q2, Q3.
“Just my first one in Q3 was a bit more difficult because we tried a different out-lap approach and that didn’t work. But yeah, clearly just lacking a bit too much.
“Sector 1 was quite tough. Turn 1 was never really good, even though I tried different approaches, but just didn’t seem to find the grip there. The rest… It was fine.
“The car was in a decent window. Unfortunately, not fast enough, but I had fun out there. The car, around here, qualifying flat out, fast corners, it is really enjoyable.”
Verstappen concerned about McLaren pace
Verstappen showed promising pace on the long runs in practice, but he admitted it will be an uphill task to overhaul the McLarens to add to his four victories in Spain.
“It’s going to be tough, I think,” he acknowledged. “My long run wasn’t bad, but if you look at the difference today, it will be tough to put up a really, really good fight.
“But that doesn’t mean that we’re not going try. So, we’ll see tomorrow.”
However, Verstappen has recognised that the prolonged run down to the opening corner will represent an immediate chance to ensure McLaren can’t control the race.
“I think it’s time to shine in Turn 1, yeah. Make it three-wide for the pictures!” the reigning F1 champion quipped.
“Honestly, I think looking at pace, it will be tough. Like Oscar said, it’s not all about the start and Turn 1.
“You need to be good on tyres. It’s a long race. A lot can happen. So, I’ll just try to maximise what I got.”
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