Max Verstappen admitted after two fourth places in the first and second free practice of the Monaco Grand Prix that the team has yet to find something to come close to the Ferraris.
The reigning world champion was almost half a second slower than Monegask Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari in the second free practice session.
balance
“We tried a few things to find out how the car behaves,” said Verstappen of trying to find the right balance. “I was a little more satisfied with the car after the first free practice than after the second. If the balance is better, you can attack a little more and then the lap time comes out better. Compared to Ferrari, we still have to find something. It also comes down to fine-tuning the balance sheet.”
Teammate Sergio Pérez, who set the second and third fastest times in practice, said he was surprised that the Ferraris were so far ahead. “We expected them to have a gap, but not such a big gap. So there’s still plenty of work to do and then we’ll see in the third qualifying run. Then it’s about.”
Also read: Verstappen also behind Ferraris in second Monaco training
New cars
Verstappen also said he noticed the difference with the new cars on the Monaco street circuit. “Yeah, it’s okay. You notice the weight of the cars, they’re a bit heavier and a bit slower. It’s also a bit bumpier in the car because they’re stiffer, but that’s okay. It’s just more difficult with the view It’s hectic to drive around here.”
Watch the L1 motorsport program Pitlane, with a preview of Sunday’s race: