Verstappen much faster than Ferrari in longrun, but Binotto hopeful

At Red Bull Racing, they said immediately after the second free practice session that the difference between the two Ferraris and the RB18 was a lot smaller than the results suggested. In Italy, Mattia Binotto says, they share the same opinion. He doesn't expect the race for pole position to be over.

Speaking to Auto, Motor und Sport Binotto says the times do not reflect reality. "We are not that much better in a lap," says the top man, who also reports that the longruns have also given a distorted picture. "Red Bull is not that much more consistent in the long run. In the end it will again be fractions of a second between us."

In the first two practice sessions on Friday, Red Bull was incredibly strong in sector two, the part of the track that consists mainly of straights. Ferrari won their time mainly in the last twisty sector. Binotto also noticed this, but it could well be different in qualifying. "Maybe Red Bull will put some downforce on it and we will take some off." It wouldn't be the first time this year that exactly that has happened.

What are Sainz's plans today?

The question is to what extent Carlos Sainz will actually participate in qualifying. Currently, the Spaniard is on a ten-place grid penalty, but there is certainly a chance that he will have to replace more engine parts, which will force him to start from the back of the grid. Competing for pole position in qualifying would then be of little use, as it would be better to fine-tune the F1-75 for the race. Probably a little less aggressive, so that the tyres can stay alive better on Sunday.