Max Verstappen admitted Crimson Bull have “no clear answer” on enhance their tempo on the Dutch Grand Prix after being outperformed by Mercedes and McLaren in Friday apply.
Verstappen leads the world championship from McLaren’s Lando Norris by 78 factors with 10 rounds of the season remaining however arrives at his dwelling race on his longest winless streak since 2020, having gone 4 grands prix with no victory.
The Dutchman has gained on all three of his earlier appearances at Zandvoort however was solely capable of end fifth in second apply on Friday, with Mercedes and McLaren occupying the highest 4 locations as George Russell set the tempo for the Silver Arrows.
“In FP1, we didn’t really get a lot of running in but I guess in FP2 you could see a little bit more where you are,” Verstappen mentioned. “A bit slow on the short run, a bit slow on the long run. So a bit of work to do.
“In the intervening time no clear reply of enhance that particularly however we’ll look into issues. Only a bit sluggish, so simple as that.”
Verstappen seemed to be cruising in the direction of a fourth successive drivers’ title when he gained 4 of the primary 5 races of the season, however since then McLaren have persistently been capable of match or higher Crimson Bull’s tempo, whereas Mercedes gained three of the ultimate 4 races earlier than the game’s summer season break.
Rain restricted consultant working in first apply on Friday, however after a extra informative second session, Verstappen insisted he wasn’t stunned by the RB20’s lack of efficiency.
“It’s where we have been the last few races so it’s not really a surprise,” he added.
“We’ll try to just find a little bit more performance for Sunday.”
Norris: Mercedes are faster however it’s shut
If Norris goes to begin placing critical title strain on Verstappen, he’ll wish to take factors away from the Crimson Bull driver on the Dutchman’s dwelling occasion.
Norris was solely 0.025s forward of Verstappen however will likely be buoyed by McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s fast time in second apply, which was two tenths faster.
“I am optimistic, but I have no idea whether it is working or not or how it’s performing at the minute. Today was a reasonable day and we are there or thereabouts,” mentioned Norris.
“A bit more to find overnight and hopefully we can challenge Mercedes.”
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Lando Norris says they can problem the Mercedes on the Dutch Grand Prix
McLaren introduced their first main improve package deal to the MCL38 since Could’s Miami Grand Prix, the place Norris gained his maiden F1 race.
The brand new elements embrace an up to date entrance suspension, plus new entrance and rear corners of the automotive.
Each Norris and Piastri seemed pleased with the steadiness of the automotive however the Briton is not sure if they’ve the machine to beat.
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Anthony Davidson and David Croft recap the primary half of the 2024 Method One season
Requested if he thinks McLaren are strongest, he mentioned: “Probably not. Mercedes are quicker, it’s close. I don’t think there is a quickest. It just depends on different factors.
“We’ve got been in good type since Miami however have not actually introduced any updates since. This weekend is our first time attempting to make extra progress.”
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Lewis Hamilton and Norris contact in the direction of the top of P2
Russell and Hamilton reward Mercedes automotive
Russell topped second apply with Hamilton in third and solely 0.111s behind his Mercedes team-mate at Zandvoort.
Mercedes have re-introduced the upgrades they delivered to Spa-Francorchamps, after taking them off partway by way of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
“There is a big, big difference to last year. The car feels more alive and we are right there at the front. We understand the car so much better now,” mentioned Hamilton.
“To start off on the right foot and make small tweaks from there is very helpful. It makes our job more enjoyable. I don’t know if [we are in the mix] for the win but at least we are in the top five.”
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Hamilton was pleased with the efficiency of the automotive throughout each apply classes
Russell added: “The car was performing really well.
“I had the upgrades on they usually appear to work as anticipated. It seems to be to be an in depth battle with McLaren and Max [Verstappen]. However it might all be completely different on Saturday.”
Sainz: Nearly like a Dash weekend after gearbox concern
Carlos Sainz’ participation in Follow Two was restricted by a gearbox concern with the Spaniard – who will be a part of Williams from 2025 – solely capable of register seven laps on monitor.
He doesn’t anticipate any additional glitches this weekend however admits his workforce at the moment are on the again foot at a monitor that isn’t greatest suited to their automotive set-up.
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Carlos Sainz says the gearbox points mustn’t impact the remainder of the weekend on the Dutch Grand Prix
Sainz mentioned: “It’s not ideal. We needed both cars out on track as it is one of our weakest tracks of the season given the long nature of the corners and the capability of the car still being on the weak side compared to our competitors.
“However tomorrow is FP3 and we’ll check out greatest to get well that point and get in form for qualy and the race.
“We go into Saturday virtually like a Dash weekend with only one apply session to get us in control and have an excellent weekend.
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Watch all of the spins from the second apply session of the Dutch Grand Prix at a windy Zandvoort
“I am going to have to hit the ground running in FP3 and be immediately on the pace. Hopefully we can still have a good performance.
“The constructive factor is that it should not have an effect on the remainder of the weekend, our gearbox pool or something. It must be clean.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Dutch GP schedule
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Forward of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, we glance again at Verstappen’s three consecutive wins round Zandvoort
Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Follow Three (session begins 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One
Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response
Method 1 returns after the summer season break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, stay on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.
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