F1 news: Max Verstappen reveals Mercedes worry ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying
RED BULL driver Max Verstappen has revealed his concern about Mercedes ahead of qualifying.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen was third fastest after FP2
Red Bull were the most productive during FP2, with Daniel Ricciardo topping the time sheets.
Ricciardo, who won the Chinese Grand Prix a fortnight ago, finished 0.069 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.
Verstappen was third fastest after FP2, while Mercedes were off the pace with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in fourth and fifth respectively.
While Mercedes have struggled to get the most out of the car during the first few races this season, Verstappen expects a retaliation from their rivals.
Max Verstappen expects a strong response from Lewis Hamilton
We also know in qualifying Mercedes have this power mode so they will be quicker
“Kimi is quick and for sure tomorrow Sebastian will be there, so we still need to improve but it was a good day,” Verstappen said.
“We also know in qualifying Mercedes have this power mode so they will be quicker but on the other hand, our car was handling well and when you start to feel more and more comfortable in the car you can usually gain three or fourth tenths on a track like this, so hopefully it will be the same tomorrow.
“As for the end of the second session I think we just had a faulty sensor issue so no concerns.”
Verstappen, however, was involved in a crash when he drove into the barriers in practice.
The incident happened in FP1, but it didn’t affect his charge in FP2.
It was the third time on as many circuits that he has been involved in a collision.