Red Bull aims for top row in qualifying

Fifth in EL1 then third in EL2, Daniel Ricciardo experienced a rise in power this Friday at Interlagos. The pilot Red Bull Racing, who will have to observe a penalty of ten places on the grid for the use of an eighth MGU-H, believes that his car however, displays a satisfactory level of competitiveness, particularly in the face of Ferrari.

« We can definitely find a bit more performance for tomorrow but I don't think we're far off the mark and we don't need to make many changes tonight,  says Ricciardo.  It's not a circuit where we have dominated in the past, so to be close to Ferrari and at least fighting with them seems positive. »

Ricciardo also concedes that the weather could be a plus for him in qualifying. “I could try to fight for pole, comments the Australian who does not hide that the Mercedes maintain a certain margin. I know that if I get it I won't start from this position because of my penalty, but it would be good in any case to start 11th for the race. It's my aim. »

Verstappen keeps the first line in your sights

For his part, Max Verstappen confirms his teammate's comments on the performance of the Silver Arrows, but thinks that getting to the front in qualifying does not remain completely impossible.

« We have to make improvements before tomorrow because we know that in qualifying, they (Mercedes) will raise the game on the engine level, proclaims the Dutchman. I think we need to be at least the same speed or faster than Mercedes in FP3 to have a chance of being on the first row of the grid. »