Max Verstappen has cast doubt over Red Bull’s chances of challenging for victory this weekend at the Imola Grand Prix, describing his Friday practice sessions as “tough”. He admitted that the RB21 is currently lacking the pace needed to compete at the sharp end of the field.
The reigning world champion finished fifth in Free Practice 2. This was nearly half a second adrift of session leader Oscar Piastri, who led a dominant McLaren one-two for the second time on Friday. While much of the focus heading into the weekend was on Red Bull’s latest upgrades, Verstappen was left wrestling with a car that felt far from competitive.
Explanations from Verstappen and Red Bull
“We tried a lot of bits, some worked a bit better than others, but overall [we’re] not fast enough at the moment,” said Verstappen, who was visibly frustrated during both sessions. “We definitely need a bit more work to get a better through-corner balance to go faster.”
That lack of balance was evident throughout the day. Particularly in FP1, where Verstappen completed only 14 laps and could manage no better than seventh. At times, he appeared to be fighting the car, tapping his steering wheel in irritation after another untidy run. Radio messages confirmed he was unhappy with the RB21’s behaviour. He particularly mentioned its tendency to bottom out under load.
“I think it’s the same in the long runs,” Verstappen added. “I got overtaken by the McLaren, so that says enough, right? They pull away. But even then, compared to other teams around us, I think at the moment it’s… it was a bit tough today.”
The mood is damped at the Imola GP
The Dutchman’s lack of optimism was further underscored when asked whether he believed he could fight for pole position in Saturday’s qualifying.
“At the moment, not very high,” he admitted bluntly.
Red Bull’s struggles come as McLaren continue to assert themselves as the form team in Formula 1. Piastri, winner of four of the opening six races, led both FP1 and FP2. Lando Norris was a close second in each. The McLaren pair appear to have found a sweet spot with their updated car. They are now pulling nearly three tenths clear of the rest of the field in FP2. This marks a significant gap around the narrow and unforgiving Imola circuit.
As teams turned their attention to long-run simulations in the closing stages of FP2, Verstappen’s discomfort was evident again. Even with the car appearing more stable on soft tyres earlier in the session—when he briefly rose to P2 before being shuffled down the order—the long-run pace remained underwhelming. The champion noted being overtaken by McLaren on track, a rare sight in recent years and one that will concern the Red Bull garage.
For now, Verstappen and Red Bull are left with questions. Their rivals have made visible gains, while the upgraded RB21 is yet to deliver a clear step forward.
“We’re not where we want to be,” Verstappen concluded. And unless things change overnight, Red Bull may find themselves on the back foot heading into Sunday’s race.
