Verstappen remains optimistic despite crash in Baku

Max Verstappen achieved promising performances during the first tests of the Azerbaijan GP in Baku this Friday sincehe set the best time during both sessions with a best lap achieved in 1'43''362 with the super soft tires. The pilot Red Bull would have had a perfect day if he had not ended up in the wall at the very end of the session during FP2.

“The whole day was very positive, with the exception of the last lap, admits Max Verstappen. I immediately felt comfortable behind the wheel and was confident with the settings. The preparation done on the simulator and at the factory allowed us to be competitive from the start. This is clearly the best Friday of the season so far. »

Although Max Verstappen also finished in the lead during the second session, his lead over his pursuers remained small since the first four finished in less than 2 tenths.

“I felt like I couldn't exploit the car's full potential in the second session on the short stints due to the yellow flags and traffic and so we can be happy to retain first place, adds Max Verstappen. The cars are faster in the corners, but the situation becomes more complicated if you lock the wheels. »

Red Bull's performance offset that of Mercedes curiously behind, Lewis Hamilton finishing only 10th, more than a second behind Max Verstappen without being able to progress with the super soft tires.

“We are confident for qualifying, but we are still wary of Mercedes who can push their engines. They will still have to catch up with us and the qualifications promise to be interesting”, underlines Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen easily admitted his responsibility for the crash at the end of the session.

“I locked the wheels on the first turn, explains Max Verstappen. I realized that I wouldn't be able to make the turn and decided to take the escape route. Turning right, I lost the rear and ended up against the wall. »

40 seconds left in FP2… @Max33Verstappen fastest, quiet night ahead for the @RedBullRacing mechanics…what could go wrong? #F1 pic.twitter.com/h9bOoAP2z7

— Formula 1 (@F1) 23th June 2017

His teammate Daniel Ricciardo confirmed the interesting potential of Red Bull Racing by placing 3rd between Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari).