The Dutchman claimed top spot in FP2, but struggled in FP1

Verstappen on difficult start in Monaco: 'Ferrari is better at that'

F1 News

verstappen reaction after FP2 monaco 2023
26 May 2023 at 17:49
Last update 26 May 2023 at 17:56
  • Toby McLuskie

Max Verstappen was not there at all in the first free practice, but in the second free practice, the 25-year-old Dutchman found himself back in first place. Between FP1 and FP2, Red Bull Racing clearly found something and that gives Verstappen good hope heading into Saturday's qualifying.

Verstappen finished Friday in Monaco well with first place in the second free practice session. The Dutchman was still struggling with his RB19 in the first free practice, but in the second session, the Red Bull driver was just back on top for most of the session. Verstappen sees areas for improvement but is satisfied with the progress.

Verstappen looks at Ferrari

''The second free practice was much better than the first. The car was much more competitive. Compared to Ferrari, we still lack a bit in terms of how the car behaves on kerbstones and bumps. That's something we need to work on for tomorrow because you can see they are very close. The Aston Martins are also close. We need something more to stay ahead of them,'' said Verstappen, according to Verstappen.com.

Verstappen was happy with the development during the day, though. During the second free practice, according to Verstappen, the car felt much better and he was able to push more. ' 'It was a difficult start, but a good end,'' the Dutchman concluded. The weekend continues on Saturday with a third free practice and qualifying.