Max Verstappen cautiously sees improvement in the handling of the RB20 during the third free practice in Las Vegas, despite initially facing significant issues. Midway through the session, he even describes the RB20 as “uncontrollable”. However, he finds grip in the final stages and finishes fifth. Once again, a Mercedes is the fastest, this time George Russell.
The rear wing proved to be the Achilles heel for Verstappen and Red Bull during the first two free practices on Thursday evening (local time). Contrary to various reports, it is not a matter of flying in a different wing or not having brought one. The simple truth? Red Bull currently lacks a suitable rear wing model for this type of circuit. Therefore, Verstappen must make do with what he has.
The upcoming qualification could turn out to be his best session of the weekend. After a challenging first half-hour, there is recovery in the final stages of the last training. This offers perspective for the qualification. “This is better, much better,” the Dutchman judges shortly before the session ends. For a moment, the later fifth-place finisher is even the fastest. But Russell takes that honor, followed by Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, and Lando Norris.
The session is half an hour old when Verstappen, after having driven eight laps, reports that his car is “uncontrollable”. The RB20 is not performing at all. His engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, suggests continuing for a bit longer. Two laps later, the Dutchman is in: “I’ll crash this way.”
Fortunately, things improve later. “Much better,” Verstappen himself says over the radio. So, is a turnaround in the qualification on the cards? That will become clear later, early in the Dutch morning.
