Verstappen Optimistic Despite Performance Gap to Close

Max Verstappen found himself trailing rival Lando Norris after the first day of track action in Abu Dhabi. The gap was nearly four tenths of a second in qualifying pace, highlighting just how comfortable Norris feels at the Yas Marina circuit.

“Pretty okay,” Verstappen told Sky Sports following FP2. “I was fairly happy with the car, we just need to be probably a little bit faster. I think still not quick enough, but I think overall we’ve been in a, for us, I think in a decent window around here.”

When questioned about handling issues he faced in the first practice session, the Dutchman shrugged it off.

“That’s a constant fight, that’s nothing new.”

The gap to Norris clearly concerned him, though.

“Seems like it’s a decent gap that we need to close, but from our side we’ll just try to put the best car forward. Let’s see how much we can find overnight.”

## Marko concerned after Abu Dhabi practice

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko didn’t hide his worry about Verstappen’s title chances following Friday’s sessions.

Verstappen finished second fastest behind Norris in both single-lap and race pace simulations.

Marko admitted they’ve “had worse Fridays” earlier in the season, which is a small silver lining. But his comments suggest the team knows they’re on the back foot against a McLaren that looks mighty around Yas Marina.

The pressure is clearly on Red Bull to find improvements before qualifying. With Norris showing such comfort at this track right away, Verstappen’s team needs to pull something special out of the bag overnight.

Can the three-time champion overcome this deficit, or is Norris finally positioned to gain ground in the championship fight?