Red Bull Racing team boss Laurent Mekies addressed where he thinks his team is struggling at the Madring after the first free practice session. Speaking to Sky Sports, Mekies reflected on his team completing its first laps on the newest circuit on the
F1 calendar.
He said: “It’s going to be a huge challenge. The walls, the tyres, all type of speed corners, so let's see.”
Mekies noted that the usual teams were at the front of the pack, and also highlighted how managing the tyres will be key at the Madring.
"At the moment you see the usual suspects in front, with the Mercedes and the Ferraris', but it's early days in the weekend. You overheat the tyres very quickly around the lap and then you see the graining."
Verstappen finish fifth place in first practice in Madrid
Max Verstappen set the fifth-fastest time in FP1, finishing behind the two Mercedes and two Ferrari drivers. The Dutchman's best lap was six tenths of a second slower than George Russell's. Still, Mekies underlined that every team is still exploring the circuit.
"I'm sure nobody has the perfect set-up yet in FP1 because there is a bit an equation to get right between the kerbs and what you want from the car.
"At the moment we are all exploring. We explored a few different things between the two cars and we will have a first regroup now," Mekies concluded.
Red Bull makes further changes to Verstappen’s RB22 for the Madrid F1 race
Red Bull Racing brought two changes to the RB22 for the
Spanish Grand Prix, including modifications to the rear wheel bodywork assembly and the floor bib. Both changes are aimed at improving reliability.
The Spanish Grand Prix weekend continues today with the second free practice session.
Follow it live with GPblog's here!