Max Verstappen fumes at Red Bull engineers during first 2024 practice session
Max Verstappen's first outburst of the 2024 season arrived just 10 minutes into the opening Bahrain Grand Prix practice session.
Max Verstappen was left furious on the radio just ten minutes into FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday, embarking on an X-rated rant to race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
The reigning world champion jumped to the top of the timing screens ten minutes into the session but was far from happy, exclaiming: "Everything is s**t, like miles off."
Verstappen then dipped into the pit lane as the Red Bull mechanics changed the front wing angle in a bid to provide the Dutchman with a more stable ride.
This move did not have the desired effect and ten minutes later he was complaining on the radio again. "Still very bad downshifts and upshifts," Verstappen complained. "The car is literally jumping."
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
There were more issues in the RB20 deeper into the session. With just under 20 minutes to go, Verstappen reported a potential throttle issue to his race engineer.
Lambiase dismissed any major issues, prompting Verstappen to reply: "Then the engine is giving positive torque. It's really weird." After changing some settings on the steering wheel, the Dutchman pushed on with his programme.
These teething issues will be frustrating for Verstappen, who completed a near-perfect pre-season test at the Sakhir International Circuit last week.
More F1...
Christian Horner statement in full as Red Bull boss cleared of allegations [NEWS]
Verstappen and Sainz combine forces to protest F1 call that is ‘over the limit' [OPINION]
Lewis Hamilton tipped for frustration as Lando Norris explains F1 pecking order [LATEST]
Verstappen's fastest time on the opening day of that test left him over 1.1 seconds clear of the next fastest driver Lando Norris, sending an ominous warning to the rest of the field.
"Time will tell if the others are fast or not or if we are fast enough," Verstappen noted ahead of the opening weekend of the season. "Bahrain is one particular track and there are lots of different tracks on the calendar where we have to perform.
"In general, it's better not to think about it. Wake up, get to the track, see the result - if it's good or bad, it's not going to change anything. That's how I approach it."