Kerbs Ver’s enthusiasm
MAX FEELS BUMPS IN ROAD
MAX VERSTAPPEN admitted Red Bull have not solved their issues that saw them struggle in Monaco two weeks ago.
And now rivals are lining up behind them to take advantage on what could be a wet weekend in Montreal.
Even without the threat of rain, Verstappen knows his car struggles over kerbs – of which there are plenty around the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
“It’s not something you can fix within one or two weeks,” said the Dutchman of Red Bull’s weakness.
“The car’s not absorbing the kerbs and the bumps like it should be, compared to maybe some of our competitors.
Jumping
“That’s what we have to work on, because when you keep jumping on bumps and kerbs you don’t have grip because the wheels are in the air, and that’s where we lost a lot of time in Monaco.”
Lando Norris, who often prefers to play down his own chances of success, admitted McLaren have an opening this weekend.
The Briton said: “I’m never going to say, ‘Yeah, this is my weekend’. But I’m confident enough to say that the last few weekends we’ve proved that we’re close.
“We’re in a good fight with Red Bull and Ferrari.”
Norris tipped the latter for success in Montreal, and said: “With kerb riding, that’s a big part around here. It’s going to be close.
“It’s impossible for me to say if it will be us, Ferrari or Red Bull on top, that’s why it’s exciting. None of us really know and it’s going to be close. Ferrari I would probably put as favourites.”
Charles Leclerc’s response to that prediction was: “They always say that.”
The 26-year-old won his home race last time out in Monaco and is convinced that Ferrari can challenge not only for more wins, but for the title this year.
“I have to believe in it and I believe in it,” he said.
“However, let’s say that the last two races have not been the tracks that favour Red Bull or show their strengths. I don’t think that this one is a track that will show their strength either, so it might be an opportunity again for us.”
Of the big four teams, Mercedes are the ones yet to show they can also take the fight to Red Bull.
But Lewis Hamilton is eyeing a battle with Verstappen soon, if his team can continue its notably strong development.
Upgrade
He said: “The car’s continuing to improve, So I’m hoping that we can get closer to these guys and start actually competing at the front. “I don’t think it’s far away. “We have got the upgrade – both cars have the upgrade this weekend – so I’m looking forward to seeing how that feels on the track.”