Max Verstappen, starting fourth in the Chinese Grand Prix, expresses doubt about his ability to challenge the top three competitors due to heavy tyre degradation and a lack of consistent grip. Despite minor adjustments improving his lap time, he acknowledges strategic disadvantages for Red Bull compared to other teams.

Max Verstappen has acknowledged the challenges he faces in the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, stating it will be “quite tricky” to contend with the top three competitors from his fourth starting position. He will be positioned behind Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, George Russell’s Mercedes, and Lando Norris’s second McLaren.

Despite finishing third in the morning’s Sprint race, Verstappen experienced difficulties with pace towards the end, attributed to significant tyre degradation. He made adjustments to address this issue, but his overall pace remained steady, only slightly improving to 1m 30.817s, a marginal enhancement from his previous day’s performance, where he was second fastest to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari.

Verstappen commented on the changes made, indicating they may yield positive effects for the race, but cautioned about the ability to compete with the frontrunners. Unlike McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, both of which have two drivers in the top eight, Red Bull faces strategic limitations, particularly as Liam Lawson struggled in Qualifying, finishing last.

Lawson voiced concerns regarding the handling of the RB21 and maintaining the Pirelli tyres within their optimal performance window. Verstappen shared his frustrations, stating there was “no real consistent grip out there,” complicating the task of establishing accurate reference points. He felt confident about his lap, yet recognized it was insufficient for higher positioning.

In summary, Max Verstappen expresses skepticism regarding his ability to challenge the top three in the Chinese Grand Prix, starting from fourth. Despite improving his pace slightly through adjustments made, he recognizes the strategic disadvantage faced by Red Bull, particularly due to teammate Liam Lawson’s difficulties during Qualifying. The challenge of inconsistent grip adds to the hurdles Verstappen must overcome in Shanghai.

Original Source: www.formula1.com

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