Between Max Verstappen's balance concerns and Sergio Pérez's persistent difficulties, Red Bull will have a lot to do to shine in the Sprint.
The Qatar Grand Prix promises to be complicated for Red Bull, with disappointing Sprint qualifying. Max Verstappen will start from sixth position, while Sergio Pérez failed to make it through SQ1. An evening which highlights the flaws of the Austrian team on the Losail track.
Verstappen: a balance that cannot be found
Accustomed to the front rows, Max Verstappen had to be content with a modest sixth place for the Sprint. The Dutch driver was overtaken by the McLarens, the Ferraris, and the Mercedes of George Russell. A frustrating result which he attributes to balance problems with his car.
“I don't have any rhythm, it's just slowhe reacted.
The balance is not there, whether on entry or in the middle of the turns. The car seems out of adjustment, and that complicates everything. At top speed, it's okay, but for the rest, it's insufficient to attack.”
Verstappen has no illusions about his chances of coming back during the Sprint: “With the balance I have it will be difficult to fight against the cars around me. I think sixth place reflects our current potential, maybe even seventh was possible. It's obviously not not where we want to be.”
Pérez: another early elimination
For his part, Sergio Pérez continues to experience a chaotic season. The Mexican once again failed in SQ1, pointing to a series of unfavorable circumstances.
“We left the track late due to a problem with one of the anti-roll barshe explains. Then, during my last lap, managing the gaps between the drivers complicated everything. Charles [Leclerc] came, we fought at Turn 1, and it cost me a few crucial tenths.”
Despite these setbacks, Pérez believes that the potential of his car was much better than the result obtained: “It’s a shame, because we really improved between Free Practice and qualifying. I felt the car had a lot more to offer.”
Red Bull en position délicate
Between Verstappen's balance concerns and Pérez's persistent difficulties, Red Bull will have a lot to do to shine in the Sprint. If the Losail track continues to highlight the weaknesses of their package, the weekend could become a real headache for the reigning champion and his teammate.
