Ricciardo and Verstappen rely on different settings

They did not make the first headlines this Saturday in Suzuka (Japan), yet both Red Bull de Daniel Ricciardo et Max Verstappen will once again start from the top of the starting grid on Sunday morning (start 7 a.m. French time).

If the gap between the two men is minimal (less than a tenth in favor of the Australian), the strategies used were very different. Daniel Ricciardo set his best time behind the wheel of a car adjusted with a minimum of pressure, while Max Verstappen took to the track with the ailerons pointed, enough to gain support in corners but lose a little in top speed. “If this is the right set-up? I'm not sure of it ", slips Verstappen. “Maybe in qualifying it wasn’t the right option, but tomorrow it could be a different story. »

The Dutchman was half-hearted after his fifth best time. “It could have been better. My first flying lap in Q3 didn't satisfy me at all, but I managed to get back on track in the final effort. »

Winner the previous weekend in Sepang (Malaysia), Max Verstappen is not surprised to find himself in a bit of difficulty on Japanese soil. “Several factors come into play. I think the corners are taken here at high speed this year, the circuit has become a sort of long, very fast straight line. This doesn't make our job any easier. Additionally, the temperature is cooler in Japan, while the heat is an advantage for our car. However, I hope it will be a little warmer on Sunday, with better tire degradation. »

On the other side of the garage, Daniel Ricciardo kept his usual smile. Credited with the fourth time at the end of Q3, he gained a place following the penalty encountered by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes). “That’s good, this will allow me to start from the clean side of the track.”, explains the Australian.

This location could give it better traction when the lights go out. “The start will decide a lot of things. It’s not easy to overtake here; I set up my car precisely for the race. With less downforce, I will obtain better speed in a straight line, this will help me during attack or defense phases. »