Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez missed the first training in Abu Dhabi, making way for Jake Dennis and Isaac Hajjar. In the second session, the main Red Bull Racing drivers returned to the wheel, but were unable to work properly as there were red flags on the track for more than half of the session due to the departure of Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg.
Max Verstappen (3rd): “Today I could figure something out, but the balance of the car was clearly not very good. I was experiencing severe understeer and the car was constantly bouncing. I didn’t expect to be left behind.
However, I completed the training for the third time, which is not so bad, but if we talk about the balance, it needs to be improved significantly.
Why did I overtake the Mercedes drivers leaving the pit lane? They should have given way. They were all driving slowly and I wanted to get onto the track as quickly as possible as there was little time left until the end of the session. They drove straight down the middle, and when I tried to go around them from the side, they started cutting me off and trying to push me against the wall. It was pretty stupid.”
Sergio Perez (5th): “During the session we adjusted the settings because I was having problems with the front of the car. Because of the red flags we didn’t have the chance to work hard, especially on the Medium tires. On Soft tires I found myself in traffic with riders running with full tanks at the end of the session.
Not the easiest day, and besides I missed the first training session, so I have to be particularly careful when choosing the settings. The car has good potential, but it is important to make adjustments to be in good shape tomorrow.”
Jake Dennis (16th in first session): “Incredible experience! I can only thank Red Bull Racing for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this car. She pulls it off impeccably; moments like this don’t happen often in a career. On your wish list, check the box next to participating in the first training – you’re done.
A Formula 1 car is different from the technology I am used to. The first time on the track was breathtaking: the speed, the downforce and the brakes were simply incredible. Great day – I left the car with a big smile on my face.
I worked a lot on the team simulator and it was good to be able to compare it with a real car. It’s amazing how close they are in performance. It was not easy because of the fear factor and overload, which is not present in the simulator. The races were a challenge in a way, but I was able to return the car to Max unscathed!”
Isaac Hadjar (17th in the first session): “Great day! Driving a Formula 1 and Formula 2 car on the same day is a lot of work, but also a great experience. The difference between Formula 2 and Formula 1 is quite big.
It was great to drive the fastest car; it’s out of this world, especially in these conditions at this track.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
