Verstappen Downplays Red Bull's Las Vegas Prospects Despite Low Downforce Success

Max Verstappen is dismissing Red Bull's recent dominance at low-downforce tracks as a guarantee for success in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite strong performances at similar circuits, Verstappen points to the unique, colder, and slippery conditions in Nevada as critical differentiating factors, cautioning against direct comparisons.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's comments highlight the unpredictable nature of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. While Red Bull has often excelled on tracks requiring low downforce, the unique environmental factors in Vegas could level the playing field, making their usual advantage less certain. This introduces an element of strategic uncertainty for all teams, challenging preconceived notions of performance.

The Details:

• Initial Practice Sessions: Verstappen finished fourth-quickest in the first hour and slipped to ninth in FP2, though comfortably ahead of his teammate. The dirty track surface in FP1 and interruptions in FP2 made both sessions less representative.
• Verstappen's Assessment: He described the opening evening as "okay" but noted the difficulty in understanding strategy due to interruptions and the need to improve grip.
• Focus Areas: The team is concentrating on adapting to the improving track conditions and optimizing tire operation for both qualifying and the race.
• Dismissing Comparisons: When confronted with Red Bull's success at low-downforce tracks like Monza and Baku, Verstappen firmly rejected the comparison.
• Unique Vegas Factors: He emphasized the significantly colder temperatures and the very slippery track surface in Las Vegas as key elements that make it incomparable to other circuits.
  • "It's a lot colder here, and the surface is very slippery, so you cannot compare it to other tracks just because it's low downforce," Verstappen explained.
  • "So it's not a given that you are then quick here."

The big picture:

Red Bull's recent track record at low-downforce circuits has been formidable, with victories at Monza and Baku showcasing their efficiency in such conditions. However, Verstappen's cautious outlook suggests that the Las Vegas Street Circuit presents a novel challenge. The combination of extreme cold and a new, slick tarmac surface could demand a different setup and driving approach, potentially neutralizing some of Red Bull's inherent advantages and opening opportunities for other teams.

What's next:

Teams will be working intensively to understand how their cars interact with the unique Las Vegas conditions. The focus will be on finding optimal grip and tire management in the cold, slippery environment. Expect a steep learning curve for all drivers and engineers, with qualifying likely to reveal which teams have best adapted to this unprecedented challenge. Verstappen's realism suggests Red Bull is not taking anything for granted, prioritizing adaptation over relying on past performance.