Mercedes untouchable on one lap for Verstappen

Given the overwhelming tempo of the two Mercedes W11, the match for pole position seems almost already decided in the peloton for the Spanish Grand Prix. A goal that Max Verstappen knows how difficult to reach in normal times, but on the justice of the peace that is Montmelo, the performance of the two Mercedes this Friday can give the peloton a cold sweat.

Lucide, the Dutchman Red Bull, winner last week at Silverstone, recognizes the domination of the W11s in the time trial verdict of the day's two sessions.

« On one lap, we clearly lack it compared to Mercedes, but on the long runs the car was pleasant to drive, which is of course what is important for racing, specifies the former pilot Alpha Tauri. The car was running pretty well and overall it was a positive day. »

Winner of the standoff over the use of tires a little less than a week ago at the 70th anniversary Grand Prix, “Mad Max” considers himself satisfied, especially since the RB16 has to deal with harder rubber. than in England.

“I might have liked softer tires (laughs) but it’s not up to us to choose, the tires are manageable and it’s quite hot,” analyzes Verstappen. I expect Mercedes to still have the advantage in qualifying because they are very fast but who knows in the race. »

And repeat the trick of better tire management, like during the double confrontation across the Channel?