F1 Azerbaijan GP: “We tried something different,” Max Verstappen remains optimistic despite losing pole to Charles Leclerc
Max Verstappen is convinced that his car will be quicker compared to the Ferrari during the race.
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Max Verstappen, 2023 Azerbaijan GP
Max Verstappen was considered the favorite for the Azerbaijan GP this season. However, the Dutchman was defeated by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for the Pole position—the 25-year-old put in the same lap time for the provisional pole as Leclerc. However, the Monegasque driver clinched the pole with Verstappen just under two-tenths behind.
The two-time world champion was still confident over his chances over the entire race weekend. The Dutchman explained that he tried to take a different approach in the out-lap for his second run that, in turn, didn’t provide the expected results. Max Verstappen said, “It’s always tough around here you know to really put the whole lap together. I think also the second run we tried something different for the out lap which maybe was not ideal for the lap time in the end.”
Although, Verstappen acknowledged the rather challenging Baku street circuit as it pushes drivers to their limit, especially in the Top 10 shootouts in Q3. He explained, “But around here it’s just really hard. You know Q3 you’re on the limit and trying to make everything perfect. It’s not the easiest but nevertheless, I mean we’re P2.”
Moreover, Max Verstappen was convinced that the RB-19 would have a better race pace that would enable him to pass Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman continued, “We know that we have a very good race car, so all in all, it’s not bad because you always want to start ahead but we’ll have to pass one car.”
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Max Verstappen hopes to improve during the F1 Sprint at the Azerbaijan GP
The 25-year-old was keen on testing out the new F1 Sprint format in the streets of Baku. However, the Dutchman hoped that he could have a clean run. He concluded, “Yeah looking forward to it to see what we can do there. Maybe we can find a few little things to do better. Overall it’s all about just keeping it clean. You know it’s super easy around here to make a mistake so that’s something we definitely don’t want to do, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Max Verstappen has never liked F1 Sprint, yet the 25-year-old will try to perform better during the Sprint shootout and, in turn, the Sprint Race. The Dutchman will once again face a challenge from Leclerc as well as teammate Sergio Perez. However, Verstappen will try to ensure that he does not end up ending his sessions early in the chaotic Baku track.
Thus, Max Verstappen is confident that Red Bull continues to enjoy a lead in the race pace. Ferrari’s laps might have come as a surprise to many. But the Milton Keynes team seems to be prepared for this threat. As the two-time world champion considers Leclerc as just a car to pass in his drive to victory at the 2023 Azerbaijan GP.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)