Verstappen plots setup change after Spa Sprint masterclass

15:18, 26 Jul

Updated: 15:19, 26 Jul

Co-author:Samson Ero

byTim Kraaij

Max Verstappen is expected to make a setup change ahead of qualifying and the Grand Prix, as he looks to avoid a repeat of the struggles he faced in Silverstone. Determined to build on his Sprint race win, the Dutch driver is keen on delivering a stronger performance in the main race this time around.

Following his victory in the Belgian Sprint race, a satisfied Verstappen addressed the media, including GPBlog, in the post-race press conference.

“I am very happy that I could hold onto the lead. I knew from the start that there would be opportunities in Turn 5. We took that chance. We knew they had new mediums, which made it even more difficult.”

Verstappen also acknowledged the areas where the car wasn’t at its best:

“I tried to hold onto the top speed we had. I knew that our middle sector was the weakest, but I tried not to make any mistakes there. I'm very happy to win here. It’s my favourite circuit, home crowd, and the feeling of a home race.”

When asked whether he was surprised by how he overtook Oscar Piastri, Verstappen responded:

“No, I knew we had a speed advantage on the straight. Out of Turn 1, I knew I would get a chance in Turn 5.”

What Verstappen is going to do differently during the qualification

The Sprint race is one thing, but Sunday’s Grand Prix promises to be a different challenge. Speaking on the setup, Verstappen said: "We need to look at that. It didn't go fantastically in Silverstone on Sunday. We'll double-check and see what we're going to do."

At Silverstone, Red Bull Racing got it wrong. The team opted for a setup focused on top speed, which helped Verstappen clinch pole position. However, it left him struggling in the wet conditions during the race. With rain once again in the forecast for Sunday’s Grand Prix, the team is planning to revise the setup.

"We will try to improve the car a bit. I have an idea of what I want with the car. I am not sure if it is possible to do with the car, but we will try, and hopefully I can be close in qualifying."

Helmut Marko also hinted at potential setup changes, suggesting that with the current rear wing, Verstappen stands no chance in Sunday’s race.