Verstappen reveals surprise target after latest Red Bull struggle

Max Verstappen has set relatively low expectations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a difficult first day at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The Dutchman, who is embroiled in off-track drama with George Russell, is aiming for the top six finish having finished FP2 down in P17.

The recently-crowned four-time F1 drivers’ champion sat out the first practice hour as reserve driver Isack Hadjar satisfied the mandated criteria of running a rookie in each car during an FP1 session over the season.

Verstappen feels that achieving his target would be a “good recovery” for Red Bull, arguing the team can “do better” than it showed on the first day of running.

“I’m sure that we can do better. I’m not saying that we’ll be McLaren level, because they seem very quick so far this weekend,” the 27-year-old told F1TV.

“But at least if we can fight in that top six, that will be a good recovery because so far it’s been quite tricky.”

The 63-time grand prix winner highlighted a disconnect with his RB20, an issue that has plagued the Milton Keynes squad for much of the 2024 campaign.

“Yeah, just not a very good balance, to be honest,” he explained when talking through the challenges he faced in the session.

“Just no connect and balance on entry to the corner, and that makes it difficult to push. That’s something we have to work on overnight.”