The 2024 F1 season shifted to Mexico after a dramatic US GP, where Red Bull and Max Verstappen finally had a decent weekend, bouncing back from recent struggles.
They faced multiple challenges, leaving the Dutchman frustrated, calling the practice day 'useless' for the Milton Keynes team. Verstappen finished fourth in the first practice but had to stop early because of engine trouble.
The issue seemed to be an air leak, but even after repairs, he faced more problems in the second practice session. Max Verstappen mentioned a strange noise from the engine bothered him which resulted in a poor outcome.
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The Dutchman mentioned that the team was checking the engine, but he didn't know exactly what the issue was. From his side, it felt like a useless day as he only managed four or five laps, leaving little to analyze at the moment.
From the engine side, we are checking. I don't know exactly what it is. From my side, a pretty much useless day. I did like four or five laps, so not much to read into it at the moment.
Max Verstappen told F1Max Verstappen shared that he couldn't say much about his practice day, as he never got a proper run. He only managed four or five laps, including a few longer runs, calling it a day to forget.
Normally, the high-altitude track in Mexico works well for the RB20, thanks to Red Bull's strong aerodynamic efficiency. Despite facing challenges, the 27-year-old remained confident that they wouldn't incur an engine penalty.
He noted that, although he had already exceeded the engine usage limit, he felt assured about managing their components effectively.
I cannot tell you, I never really had a good run. Only four or five laps in total, and that's even with some long run laps in it, A day to forget.
Max Verstappen statedSergio Perez emphasized 'not feeling great' inside the RB20 cockpit at the Mexican GP
The Mexican GP is Sergio Perez's home race and he needs to perform better there for his fans and for himself. Checo has encountered a tough season this year and is also rumored to be replaced after the race in Mexico.
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)However, at the practice day he explained the car was not feeling great particularly with its ride-quality in low speed corners. He mentioned that they need to improve in that area, as they seem to be lagging behind the top teams.
It's not feeling great, We have a few issues with the ride, in the low-speed I think we've got some work to do. We seem to be a little bit far from the top, so we seem to have some work to do.
Sergio Perez saidThe RB20 was expected to perform well at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, but the team has encountered unexpected issues that need urgent attention.
With qualifying nearing, Red Bull must address issues to maintain competitiveness, especially against an intensifying rivalry with McLaren and Ferrari. The Scuderia having dominated Austin, are rapidly closing in on Red Bull's second-place position, posing a serious threat in the Constructors' standing.
Max Verstappen told F1Max Verstappen statedSergio Perez said(459 Articles Published)
Gaurang Kadam is a Formula 1 author at Firstsportz. He discovered his passion for the sport during the Covid-19 pandemic right before the historic battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 title. Gaurang has published hundreds of F1 articles as he channels his passion for the sport. He completed his Bachelor's in Commerce from Joshi Bedekar College. Apart from the world of racing, Gaurang has loved Football since he was 14 and looks up to Christiano Ronaldo as his idol