Ricciardo and Verstappen optimistic for qualifying

The Hungaroring circuit (Hungary) does not provide the same treatment following the teams of Formula 1. At Mercedes, we readily admitted that maintaining the ideal tire temperature constituted a major difficulty. However, on the side of Red Bull, we wanted to be rather enthusiastic in this area.

Daniel Ricciardo, author of the best time during Free Practice 1 Friday morning (eight hundredths ahead of Sebastian Vettel) did not suffer any major glitches. “On single lap pace, I think we can still look for some improvement, but the long stint pace seems pretty good. »

Let Max be your guide for the #HungarianGP Who's ready to take a tour ahead of this weekend's action? #F1 pic.twitter.com/pwWSDVe5uA

- Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 28, 2018

The Australian says he is satisfied with the Pirelli tires. « Both the ultra soft and the soft delivered a good performance. Even in the long stints, they held their own. I would say that the ultra softs are my preference for qualifying. »

Enough to make him want a pole position. “The first row would be perfect, the second not too bad, we just don't want to be thrown back into the third row, overtaking is not common here. »

His teammate Max Verstappen, who came within 74 thousandths of Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) during the second session of the day, detailed the strengths and weaknesses of Red Bull on the 4,381 kilometer Hungarian track. “To run a good time you need the right balance, and I felt we had it. Unfortunately, we always lose a little time on the others on the straights”, which are still very short compared to the other trips of the season.

The car felt good and being 2nd quickest was a positive start of our weekend. We still have some room for improvement, but I expect fierce competition tomorrow during qualifying #KeepPushing #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/7GSI6qYgqW

- Max Verstappen (@ Max33Verstappen) July 27, 2018

“I'm not sure our strengths in the corners will be enough to compensate for this disadvantage. We are very efficient in the second sector as you would expect because it is very winding. Qualifying will be of great importance given that it is not easy to overtake”, warns the Dutchman.

Despite statements from Mercedes drivers regarding the degradation of the rubber, Max Verstappen, is wary of the Silver Arrows. “Mercedes seems to be struggling with the ultra softs, but I expect to see them get back on track on Saturday as usual. In the long relays, they already seemed quite competitive…”