After Max Verstappen revealed Red Bull’s issues in Monaco required more than just a set-up fix, Jenson Button warned the Dutch driver that if it was a “fundamental” problem it would only get “worse” for the reigning champion.
After finishing just outside the top 10 in FP1 at the Monte Carlo circuit, Verstappen finished fourth in Friday’s second session, still half a second off the pace set by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Jenson Button warns Max Verstappen and Red Bull
He all but ruled out the possibility of the Red Bulls recovering.
“These problems can’t be solved with set-up, because that’s the way the car is built and designed. And these problems can’t be changed overnight, so we’re stuck with it,” lamented Verstappen.
“I’ll try to get a little better, but I’m not expecting miracles.”
Max Verstappen will be underdog heading into Saturday’s final practice and qualifying with a shot at a back-to-back world championship pole positions after first place in qualifying in every grand prix so far this season.
Button believes that if this is a “fundamental issue”, things could get even worse for Red Bull as their rivals regain lap times and confidence.
“Well, I don’t know what the issue is, but if that’s what he’s saying, and he’s usually good at telling the truth,” Button told Sky F1. “I think it’s going to be a difficult situation for them.”
“But things will probably get worse for them as the weekend progresses.
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“As other people work on their set-up, they can improve and gain confidence and then they can go faster, whereas if there is an underlying issue, they can’t change it.
“They’re where they are right now. They can’t push it any further because they have to get inside the wall, so it’s a tough situation for them.”
“It’s definitely a mix of things and it’s exciting.”
Ferrari’s Leclerc went into Saturday’s race as the favourite, dominating almost 60 per cent of the laps, while Ferrari was quickest in all three sectors.
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