Max Verstappen was the second quickest in the Friday practice of the Saudi Arabian GP. The Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is still dominating over the reigning champion. But Verstappen is quite optimistic about his team and looking towards the Saudi Arabian Qualifying. But he’s also worried about the threat from Ferrari’s phenomenal pace this season.
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The 2021 champion showcased some impressive driving in the pre-season. So, he was the favorite to win the season opener. But Leclerc was leading the Bahrain GP and never let Verstappen take the lead of the race. It seemed like the Red Bull driver would end up on P2, but that also didn’t happen. As the Dutchman retired for the season opener because of an engine failure.
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Verstappen is happy with the Friday practice
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Verstappen has moved on from the unfortunate defeat in Bahrain and showcased his potential in Jeddah. The driver was happy with the Friday practice and shared his team was working with the data they gathered throughout the practice. Verstappen is being cautious about Ferrari’ after Leclerc again dominated Max in the Friday practice.
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 11, 2022, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Verstappen shared, “The session went very smoothly today. I was able to complete the program and try out different tire sets. Ferrari seems to be quite strong this time as well. We need to work to catch up with them, but we still have plenty of room for improvement.”
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“I feel that the course is almost the same as last year. The position of the barrier has been moved slightly, but there is no noticeable effect on visibility. We need to look at the data for the qualifying. Then I’ll see what happens tomorrow,” the 2021 world champion continued.
Max Verstappen is a natural talent
The 24-year-old is one of the best drivers in the world. Now, he is also a world champion after winning the championship title against Lewis Hamilton in the infamous Abu Dhabi finale last season.
The former F1 driver Jenson Button was asked who he thinks is the most naturally talented driver. Button named Verstappen, the most naturally talented because of his bloodline. The Dutchman was born to a talented F1 driver like Jos Verstappen and a Belgian ex-kart driver champion Sophie Kumpen.
Verstappen might not have been able to shine in the 2022 season yet. However, he has the potential to win a championship again, but he needs a reliable car. The Milton Keynes base is working on the RB18 to make a title-winning car soon.
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The Red bull drivers will soon go behind the wheels of their cars for the last practice session in Jeddah before qualifying. Let’s see whether Max Verstappen can get a pole in qualifying or not.
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