A first day without for Red Bull and Verstappen in Miami

When it came time to take stock of the first day of racing in Miami, Christian Horner should not have been smiling. While his team, like the entire paddock, discovered the Miami Grand Prix for the first time yesterday, an RB18 was missing during Free Practice 2. Max Verstappen completed only one reconnaissance lap before being forced back into the pits with a burning brake duct and a problem with the harshness of his steering. “ It's not a good day, especially at a track like this where you want to be there to learn the track and get up to speed. So, I basically did four or five (fast) laps today so that's not what you want », Analyzes the Batavian on Friday evening.  

In Free Practice 1, he had already complained to his engineer when he asked him to return to the pits. “ How do you want me to learn the circuit? ". Then an overheating problem appeared on the RB18 which forced the mechanics to change the gearbox and a radiator as a precaution. “ I mean, sure, I'll try to catch up, but it's just not ideal. Everyone is of course a little more in the race, but on top of that we don't have any information about my car with what we have to do, so yes, it's extremely painful... »

Max Verstappen feeling the (Miami) heat! ☀️

The Dutchman suffered a brake fire and steering problems, cutting his second practice session short 😩#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/FA2NDO8ZOy

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2022

Known for his outspokenness, the Dutchman did not seek to elaborate on the various accidents which punctuated Free Practice 1. “ This is not an excuse for what is happening to us today. We just have to look at each other and I don't care what happens on the track with the red flags. We could have done a lot more today. » These problems should not, however, compromise Max Verstappen's chances. “We had a terrible day with Max yesterday, but it seems that we have found where the problems we encountered were coming from,” explains Christian Horner at a press conference. Response at 22 p.m. with qualifying in Miami.

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