‘It’s Quite Dangerous’ – Verstappen And Sebastian Vettel Unimpressed with Sakhir GP Track Layout

F1 enthusiasts are probably used to seeing tracks that comprise lap timings close to a minute-and-a-half or more. From that perspective, the Sakhir GP track offers no surprises whatsoever, with drivers able to complete lightning-fast laps under a minute.

Using the newer outer track for this weekend’s race, Sakhir saw drivers pick up their pace in FP1. Having gained familiarity, started reproducing even faster laps in the second free practice session.

However, both Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel expressed disappointment with the nature of the track. Especially considering how there is a chance of high traffic on the limited terrain space.

Max Verstappen believes Sakhir GP track is not the “most exciting” to drive

Speaking to Sky F1 and quoted by Planet F1, the Dutchman said, “It’s not the most exciting to drive to be honest.

“Because of the small track the radio is constantly open. It’s like be careful here traffic there, it’s not really what you want.”

The Red Bull No.33 has been impressive in the two practice sessions so far. Although he finished P2 both times, he was able to cut down the gap to Russell from +0.176s to +0.128s in the second session.

“And also especially in the second sector it’s quite blind, there are a lot of corners so it’s quite dangerous around there. Slow down because we have to cool the tyres to be able to do another lap, so it’s not the nicest, not the easiest to drive but it is what is is,” concluded Max.

Sebastian Vettel also had similar views to Max regarding the track circuit

Speaking to Sky F1 and as quoted by Planet F1, Vettel stated, “It’s very short, it’s too short to be honest, it’s a bit strange.

“Just when it’s about to start it stops, but it is what is.”

The 33-year-old German further elaborated, “Not just the middle section the whole track is short and there will be the same amount of cars so Q1 will be very tight.

“The other thing that doesn’t help is we have to go really slow in the cool laps to bring the tyres down, that’s probably the worst factor.”

By the looks of it, all F1 drivers will need to bring out their best race pace in qualifying and tomorrow’s race as well. For otherwise, there is always the risk of being left behind and getting stuck in traffic, courtesy of the nature of the track.