Max Verstappen qualified third in Qatar, but expressed frustration over the persistent understeer of his RB21. Despite this, the Dutchman anticipates that the mandatory two-stop strategy will add extra excitement to the race.
Verstappen explained after the race that the RB21 was once again struggling with a familiar issue at the Lusail International Circuit. “There’s a problem with the car that we can’t get rid of,” he said. “In all medium and long turns, we simply have too much understeer. That’s just part of this car.” Verstappen stated that the car performed better on other circuits, but clearly struggled in Qatar. “On some circuits with shorter turns, it’s a bit better, but here you just can’t get rid of it.”
Verstappen acknowledges that it’s going to be a tough race, as he believes the McLarens will be significantly faster. “Of course, you always hope it will go better, but the gap is still too large,” he says. “You might have a chance in the first turn, but in terms of pure speed, we’re just too slow.” According to Verstappen, the mandatory two-stop in Qatar could indeed provide some spectacle. “A lot can always happen at the pit stops,” he explains. “We’re limited in the number of laps we can drive, but if you stop too early and a safety car comes out or something else… that can always happen. I can’t say it’s already getting boring.”
