Even more bad news for Verstappen: Red Bull update has little effect

20:22, 29 Aug

Updated: 21:28, 29 Aug

byNicole Mulder

Helmut Marko had no illusions after the opening day at Zandvoort. Red Bull struggled to keep up with McLaren—and even Aston Martin—in free practice, and according to the Austrian, much of the problem comes down to the track’s characteristics.

Max Verstappen could manage no higher than fifth on Friday, over six tenths off Lando Norris. Not only was the Dutchman well off the pace for the top spot, but he also had to watch Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri finish ahead of him.

While Verstappen appeared to set the tone in the first session on medium tyres, it soon became clear that the balance issues plaguing Red Bull all season were afflicting then once again.

Helmut Marko

Red Bull update has little effect

Helmut Marko sees similarities with the Grand Prix weekend in Hungary, but stresses that this time the problems are different: ''In Hungary, we would have been glad with fifth position. That problem is solved, but still…''

''Of course it’s not our type of circuit, so we look forward to Baku, Monza and Suzuka (was already run with Max Verstappen taking pole and the win, ed.), they are much better.''

To improve the package, Red Bull brought a small update to the front wing, specifically intended for the Circuit Zandvoort layout.

However, it did not yield much of a benefit: ''It’s marginal. If everything is balanced and right, then maybe a couple of hundredths, not even half a tenth.''

The Austrian doesn’t expect Red Bull to suddenly close the gap to McLaren. However, he is hopeful that the harder tyre compounds during the race will play to Verstappen’s advantage.

Friday’s sessions made it clear that the RB21 performs better on medium and hard tyres, which could open up some strategic opportunities on Sunday.