Ewan Gale has been a part of GPBlog since 2025, working as a contributing editor. After gaining a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2019, Ewan has built experience working for GPFans, RacingNews365 and Autosport, reporting on-site from a number of grands prix, car launches and team events.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has conceded the slow starts to race weekends by Red Bull is down to the sensitivity of the RB21 to set-up changes.
The Dutchman had finished second and fourth in the opening two grands prix of the season despite apparent troubles at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, before securing pole and victory in the Japanese Grand Prix.
That result put him just a point behind championship leader Lando Norris and asked by GPBlog about the difficulties faced with the Red Bull ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen replied: "It depends.
"Sometimes the balance is just a little better and sometimes it's a little less.
"So far, we usually don't start well because the car is just super sensitive to the small changes we make and then you try to get through the weekend to make sure you at least have the right balance for qualifying.
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"The practices are also there to try things out. Of course, you want to be fast and do well. But sometimes things need to be tested and understood first."
Verstappen on correlation issues
At least part of the difficulties facing the Red Bull drivers is the difference between how the car drives in the simulator compared to in real-life on track.
Highlighting the issue, Verstappen added: "Yes, but sometimes it's better than in other weekends. I think the layout of the Suzuka circuit also didn't help with that.
"Because on the simulator, you can always slide a bit more naturally. But if that doesn't work in reality, you're more restricted."
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 115 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 106 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 73 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 70 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 55 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 37 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 32 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 28 |
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