Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo happy with Red Bull's progress at Azerbaijan GP
Ricciardo only 10th at Baku after Qualy Three crash
Monday 26 June 2017 13:27, UK
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo both felt they could have achieved more in qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP after the team's unexpected improvement.
While the power-centric Baku circuit was expected to highlight the former world champions' weaknesses, an upgrade from engine suppliers Renault inspired Verstappen to top both of Friday's practice sessions.
The optimism was maintained in the early stages of qualifying when Verstappen looked poised to challenge Mercedes for pole. But an engine glitch, requiring a lower mode, cost the Dutchman dearly while Ricciardo crashed out as "a consequence of trying to get a bit too much".
Although ultimately over a second behind Mercedes as the Silver Arrows turned up their engine in qualifying, Verstappen felt third place on the grid was within his grasp.
"In Q2 I had an issue with the engine going to the limiter, similar to what I had in the last practice. So we had to wind the engine down, which cost me quite a lot of lap time," he said.
"On my last run in Q3, I was three tenths up and then I went a little bit wide at Turn Seven and had a bit more wheel spin than normal so all the way up past the castle I was having very serve [gear] shifts. Those things cost me P3."
The encouragement in general, however, is that Red Bull appear to have made a significant move forward in Baku after what has been, by their standards, a tough start to the new season.
"It is looking a lot better, the car in general was always improving," said Verstappen. "Of course, when we look at Mercedes, we know we have to improve. With the Ferraris, for sure we can fight. We are up close with Ferrari or even in front. We expected difficulties at this circuit so we can be happy with the car."
Ricciardo will start Sunday's race from 10th after the Australian hit the circuit wall pushing during the final stages of Q3. As a result, Ricciardo has now been beaten by his team-mate on four successive F1 Saturdays.
"I'm not blaming the car, I was just chasing a bit too much," he said. "A bit frustrated but nothing to blame. Obviously it was my mistake but without mistake it's been a very good weekend.
"It's encouraging. Both of us have been pretty content with the car. Tenth today just doesn't reflect it."
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