“A little bit,” was Max Verstappen‘s response on Thursday in Imola when asked what he expects from the updates to the RB21. It certainly helps, as the reigning world champion is working hard with Red Bull to improve the car. “We’ve had updates for a few races now, we’re making progress.” But, the Dutchman warns again, the gap to McLaren is not easily bridged. If it can be bridged at all.
Winning on Sunday during the GP of Imola based on race speed? No, that seems almost impossible for Verstappen – and anyone else not driving a McLaren. In Miami, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris once again demonstrated the speed of the MCL39 during the previous race. “Especially in terms of race pace,” says Verstappen. “I think it was depressing to see for every other team.”
Updates like those in Imola are here and will continue to come for Verstappen and teammate Yuki Tsunoda. “That’s not the issue, we’re doing our best.” And the upcoming changes around the flexible wings? “Even those changes (new rules are going into effect from the Spanish Grand Prix in early June) are not going to bring us eight tenths or even a second closer to McLaren.”
Hope springs eternal, even for Verstappen. So, there are certainly possibilities for Sunday. For example, through a good qualification, the session in which he has already outperformed both McLarens several times this season. That would also be a good thing on this circuit, as overtaking is not very easy in Imola.
