Verstappen relieved after P2 in Imola: Finally a good feeling in the RB21

Previously, a message from the Red Bull Racing PR team came in: The chat with the Dutch press could only be brief, as the Austrians had a debrief. Without a doubt, it went better than a day before, because again after a difficult Friday, Red Bull had things nicely under control during qualifying. Max Verstappen's second place was the tangible result of that.

Verstappen mentioned the feeling in the RB21 was the best this year. “The car itself feels quite good, from this morning. Just, I think those tyre compounds, they were just a bit too aggressive for us. And I had just a bit too much overheating,” Verstappen said to, among others, GPblog.

The medium tire worked well in Imola and Verstappen also considered using that tire. But: “No, I didn't want to do that, because of course, I want the right tyre for tomorrow. I've been in the front a few times this year and haven't got much from it. We need to make sure we score points in the race.”

That it's a circuit where overtaking is difficult, doesn't bother the reigning champion: “If you have enough speed, you can overtake.” Moreover, at least Lando Norris's McLaren is behind Verstappen in fourth place. “That's obviously positive. But the positive thing about today was actually that we modified the car and it felt better.”

Eventually, Verstappen concluded that the updates work. “Yes, I think so. I think in terms of lap time it doesn't deliver as much as you see. But I think we managed to extract the speed, so to speak. But I also think we really made a step forward in terms of setup.”

Yet, the Dutchman is not completely satisfied. Tire wear still remains high. “No, that remains the same. Of course, in terms of balance, yes, but when the tires get too warm, they get too warm. Tomorrow will probably be better, but I don't think we can really attack them (McLaren).”