Dutch GP: Max Verstappen says Purple Bull have ‘no clear reply’ to enhance ‘sluggish automotive’ at Zandvoort | F1 Information

Max Verstappen admitted Purple Bull have “no clear answer” on the best way to enhance their tempo on the Dutch Grand Prix after being outperformed by Mercedes and McLaren in Friday observe.

Verstappen leads the world championship from McLaren’s Lando Norris by 78 factors with 10 rounds of the season remaining however arrives at his house race on his longest winless streak since 2020, having gone 4 grands prix and not using a victory.

The Dutchman has received on all three of his earlier appearances at Zandvoort however was solely in a position to end fifth in second observe on Friday, with Mercedes and McLaren occupying the highest 4 locations as George Russell set the tempo for the Silver Arrows.

“In FP1, we didn’t really get a lot of running in but I guess in FP2 you could see a little bit more where you are,” Verstappen stated. “A bit slow on the short run, a bit slow on the long run. So a bit of work to do.

“For the time being no clear reply of the best way to enhance that particularly however we’ll look into issues. Only a bit sluggish, so simple as that.”

Verstappen gave the impression to be cruising in the direction of a fourth successive drivers’ title when he received 4 of the primary 5 races of the season, however since then McLaren have persistently been in a position to match or higher Purple Bull’s tempo, whereas Mercedes received three of the ultimate 4 races earlier than the game’s summer season break.

Rain restricted consultant working in first observe on Friday, however after a extra informative second session, Verstappen insisted he wasn’t stunned by the RB20’s lack of efficiency.

“It’s where we have been the last few races so it’s not really a surprise,” he added.

“We’ll try to just find a little bit more performance for Sunday.”

Norris: Mercedes are faster nevertheless it’s shut

If Norris goes to start out placing severe title stress on Verstappen, he’ll need to take factors away from the Purple Bull driver on the Dutchman’s house occasion.

Norris was solely 0.025s forward of Verstappen however can be buoyed by McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s fast time in second observe, which was two tenths faster.

“I am optimistic, but I have no idea whether it is working or not or how it’s performing at the minute. Today was a reasonable day and we are there or thereabouts,” stated Norris.

“A bit more to find overnight and hopefully we can challenge Mercedes.”

McLaren introduced their first main improve bundle to the MCL38 since Could’s Miami Grand Prix, the place Norris received his maiden F1 race.

The brand new elements embrace an up to date entrance suspension, plus new entrance and rear corners of the automotive.

Each Norris and Piastri appeared pleased with the steadiness of the automotive however the Briton is uncertain if they’ve the machine to beat.

Requested if he thinks McLaren are strongest, he stated: “Probably not. Mercedes are quicker, it’s close. I don’t think there is a quickest. It just depends on different factors.

“We’ve got been in good type since Miami however have not actually introduced any updates since. This weekend is our first time making an attempt to make extra progress.”

Russell and Hamilton reward Mercedes automotive

Russell topped second observe with Hamilton in third and solely 0.111s behind his Mercedes team-mate at Zandvoort.

Mercedes have re-introduced the upgrades they delivered to Spa-Francorchamps, after taking them off partway by the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

“There is a big, big difference to last year. The car feels more alive and we are right there at the front. We understand the car so much better now,” stated Hamilton.

“To start off on the right foot and make small tweaks from there is very helpful. It makes our job more enjoyable. I don’t know if [we are in the mix] for the win but at least we are in the top five.”

Russell added: “The car was performing really well.

“I had the upgrades on and so they appear to work as anticipated. It appears to be a detailed battle with McLaren and Max [Verstappen]. However it may all be totally different on Saturday.”

Sainz: Nearly like a Dash weekend after gearbox challenge

Carlos Sainz’ participation in Follow Two was restricted by a gearbox challenge with the Spaniard – who will be part of Williams from 2025 – solely in a position to register seven laps on monitor.

He doesn’t count on any additional glitches this weekend however admits his staff are actually on the again foot at a monitor that’s not finest suited to their automotive set-up.

Sainz stated: “It’s not ideal. We needed both cars out on track as it is one of our weakest tracks of the season given the long nature of the corners and the capability of the car still being on the weak side compared to our competitors.

“However tomorrow is FP3 and we’ll check out finest to recuperate that point and get in form for qualy and the race.

“We go into Saturday virtually like a Dash weekend with only one observe session to get us up to the mark and have a superb weekend.

“I am going to have to hit the ground running in FP3 and be immediately on the pace. Hopefully we can still have a good performance.

“The constructive factor is that it should not have an effect on the remainder of the weekend, our gearbox pool or something. It must be easy.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Dutch GP schedule

Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Follow Three (session begins 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One

Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response

Method 1 returns after the summer season break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and can be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra reside sport this yr at no further value. Discover out extra right here.