F1 News: Max Verstappen admits Red Bull DAMAGE at Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen looks stunned by a question during a press conference — Photo: © IMAGO

Australian Grand Prix

Verstappen admits Red Bull DAMAGE at Australian Grand Prix

Reigning Formula 1 world champion suffers significant damage in Melbourne

Shay Rogers

Friday 22 March 2024 20:12

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Max Verstappen has confirmed that he suffered damage during practice for the Australian Grand Prix just a matter of laps into his running.

Two weeks on from a second consecutive 1-2 finish of the season for Red Bull, the Dutchman is aiming to match his own record of ten consecutive victories in Melbourne – a year on from surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s original feat.

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It won’t be an easy task judging by the results of practice down under, as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held a four-tenth advantage over Verstappen in second practice.

Plenty of times before Red Bull have left more in reserve for when it counts on Saturday, where most in the paddock expect them to cruise to another pole position.

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Verstappen: A little bit messy

But their quest to do so has started on the wrong foot, as Verstappen sustained floor damage after running over a kerb in the first practice session of the weekend.

"Unfortunately, a little bit messy because of what happened in FP1," he said.

"I went wide, damaged the floor and also the chassis. It took a little bit longer to fix that unfortunately, so I lost about 20 minutes.

"I do think the turnaround was very quick, what we did as a team, so I more or less completed the programme still. Long run I would have liked maybe a few more laps but with missing 20 minutes, that’s how it goes.

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"I think it was alright. I think Ferrari is quick but I think from our side, there are also a few more things that we can fine tune. So, nothing crazy, nothing worrying, I think we just need to fine tune a little bit the car."

Saturday could play host to the most unpredictable sessions of the season so far, with a 30 per cent chance of rain during qualifying.

However, that may be music to the ears of Verstappen who has proven multiple times before that he likes to drive in wet conditions.