Verstappen: I was disappointed in Pierre's wake

Red Bull did not have the most serene opening day at the Canadian Grand Prix since its leader Max Verstappen went to add his name to the famous list of victims of the famous Montreal Wall of Champions in Free Practice 2. 

The Dutchman had nevertheless started his Canadian weekend well by setting the 4th fastest time in the first driving session on Quebec soil. Because of his swerve in the afternoon, Verstappen had to settle for 13th time in FP2, with only 22 laps on the clock. 

Asked about the causes of the incident, the Batavian explained that he had been embarrassed by his teammate Pierre Gasly and mentioned a possible communication problem. 

« I wasn't exploring the limits of the track, Verstappen said. Pierre was in front of me at the chicane, we asked him to accelerate and I don't really know what happened afterwards. I found myself drifting in its wake, I understeered and ended up in the wall. 

It's a shame to have lost some riding time, especially since our pace wasn't bad. Not perfect but okay. We still have work to do but we are not light years away. Carlos (Sainz, Editor’s note) did a good job finishing 4th but we have the means to do better.” 

When Gasly was asked to react to his teammate's comments, the Frenchman was somewhat evasive while presenting his version of the facts. 

« The team warned me a little late, said Gasly. I was trying to prepare for a flying lap when I was told on the radio that Max was 5 seconds away. I started pushing and I had Romain (Grosjean, Editor’s note) in front. I don't know exactly what happened behind ».

Beyond the incident, the Norman was more concerned by his lack of rhythm, he who was only able to set the 13th and 12th times of this opening day on the banks of the St Laurent.
  
« It’s sure that it’s a bit complicated at the moment., he added. We tested a lot of things but I think we're lacking a bit in performance. There is no single factor in particular. We just lack grip in general. We'll have to work tonight ».

And probably debrief the incident with Verstappen…