There first free practice session of the Miami GP it was not particularly full of satisfactions for the reigning world champion Max Verstappen, especially for how the first official outing on the new street circuit developed. More than for the lap time, which turned into a 3rd place behind a dusty Russell and the leader Charles Leclerc, the number 1 was not exempt from some moments of nervousness manifested by radio for a overheating problem accused on the RB18, such as to have prompted the team to call its driver back to the pits.
A headache not at all favored even by runway temperatures, above 40 °, to which was added a small error by the Dutchman, the protagonist of a slight contact against the protection barriers at the beginning of the session, which however did not report any significant damage or consequences. In this way, Verstappen was therefore unable to remain constantly on the track in order to learn the characteristics of the circuit, with the Red Bull team principal, Christian Hornerwho affirmed himself on the reasons that kept the Dutchman in the pits.
Interviewed by Sky Sports at the end of FP1, the English manager explained when it happened and what the mechanics interventions were: “The car was just a little warm then we are investigating just to understand why these high temperatures – he has declared – plus the car has collected some debris or something, which is why the car is under maintenance. We resorted to chiller for the sole purpose of keeping temperatures under control in this phase. We don’t want things to overheat and cook by themselves ”.
In conclusion, Horner also expressed his first sensations on the Miami track, and how it pushed rival teams, especially Ferrari, to use different set-ups: “We have opted for what we think is best – he has declared – and that there has been suggested by the simulations for this type of circuit. Ferrari lowered the level of the wing: in Jeddah, for example, we were actually faster than them on the straight, but in the slower sectors the Ferrari was faster, and so that wing proved efficient. Sara fascinating to see how the wing layers work here to evaluate whether to raise or lower them further for the next session “.
#Horner #Explains #Verstappens #RB18 #Overheating #FormulaPassionit