F1 Leaders Charles Leclerc & Max Verstappen Warned of Singular Threat to Spanish GP Charge

Red Bull missed out on the pole in the Saturday qualifying. Max Verstappen would start P2 in the Spanish GP as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took the top place on the grid after correcting his earlier mistake in Q3. However, there is a threat looming behind both the front runners of the Spanish GP.

The former Red Bull driver, Robert Doornbos, believes that the Austrian constructor can win in Spain despite the Barcelona circuit not allowing many overtaking moves. However, it would be difficult for Max, who would start at P2. Meanwhile, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz might have an advantage starting at P3. Further, he can be a threat to both the cars in front.

The former Red Bull driver said, “It’s really difficult to overtake, so the new rules will have to prove whether it’s going to be different this time in the race. You have a long run to the first turn. P2 is therefore not ideal, because you are on the dirty side of the track.”

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“And it’s from 0 to 280 km/h towards turn 1, so if you start from P3, you can catch a slipstream. I think Sainz is in the best position,” Doornbos further stated.

Can Max Verstappen win the Spanish GP?

Undoubtedly, the Ferrari has a better chance to win the race. However, the hopes for Red Bull and Max Verstappen missing out on the taste of victory aren’t over. The Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya doesn’t allow much overtaking so, the tire strategies can be a huge game-changer. As things stand, Red Bull had showcased better tire management than Ferrari this season.

Despite the P2 start, Verstappen can still win the race thanks to tire management. Even the Red Bull team principal is relying on strategies for the Sunday race.

“But it’s still great to have a front-row start. We will see tomorrow.” Horner reported, “Charles has carried a new set of tires (softs) into the race tomorrow, so that is interesting, but in these temperatures, it’s all about tire deg and tire management.

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The tire management has been a vast game-changer this season as Alex Albon was able to finish P10 even with the struggling Williams car in Australia. So, it would be fascinating to see what strategy Red Bull comes up with for the Spanish GP. Do you expect the Austrian F1 team to win in the Sunday race?