Verstappen - Portimão lack of grip "not very enjoyable"

Max Verstappen described the slippery Portimão circuit as "not very enjoyable to drive" after the Red Bull driver finished second in both Friday practice sessions for the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Last year's event saw drivers complaining of a lack of grip at the Algarve circuit but despite a matured track surface, it appears it has barely improved as harder tyres and downforce cuts have left drivers struggling again.

Asked how the car had performed, Dutchman Verstappen said: "Yeah, it was alright but it was very tricky out there with the Tarmac again. Just super slippery and I know it is the same for everyone but it is not very enjoyable to drive.

"[It's] very similar [to last year] and of course, the tyres have changed and we have lost downforce compared to last year. It is very tricky out there and it is a shame because it is all about tyre temperature and it shouldn't be like that."

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas pipped Verstappen to top spot in FP1 by 0.025secs before main title rival Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes went quickest in the afternoon session by 0.143s.

With the two teams appearing to be extremely close again, Verstappen has indicated more work is needed if he is to regain control at the top.

"It’s the same situation for everyone so we just need to make sure we are on top of the car so we can make the best out of it," he added.

"It seems tight with Mercedes this weekend again and the car felt alright but we still have some work to do ahead of tomorrow, that’s for sure.”

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