The first practice sessions in Melbourne did not go flawlessly for Max Verstappen yet. After a productive first session, Red Bull ran into several problems in FP2. Verstappen was sidelined for half an hour, which meant he did not get further than the sixth fastest time. Additionally, he made a costly excursion into the gravel trap, with which he reportedly significantly damaged his RB22. The results are hardly surprising for Verstappen, who calls on Red Bull for improvements.
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Almost all teams were plagued by the necessary teething problems during the first practice laps in Australia. Red Bull and Max Verstappen, who still drove to the third fastest time without problems in FP1, also had to face it during the second hour of practice. At the end of the pit lane, the Dutchman’s RB22 already came to a standstill. After half an hour in the garage, Verstappen finally rejoined his colleagues on the track. He had to settle for the sixth fastest time, partly due to a late excursion into the gravel trap.
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“In the first free practice we were able to drive a good number of laps, but in the second we ran into a few problems,” Verstappen admitted to the media present. “In terms of speed, we are certainly where I expected. There is still a lot of work to be done and we will analyze tonight what worked and what needs to be improved,” he concluded soberly. “That is the reality at the moment.” For now, rivals Ferrari and Mercedes seem to be in a better position.
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