Verstappen sceptical of Chinese GP chances despite changes

Max Verstappen has conceded it will be "quite tricky" to challenge the top three from fourth on the grid at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Verstappen will start from fourth in Shanghai, behind first-time pole-sitter Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, George Russel’s Mercedes and Lando Norris in the second McLaren.

Although the Red Bull driver had finished third in the morning’s Sprint race, he had struggled for pace in the latter stages after suffering with heavy tyre degradation.

Having made changes to counter this issue, his ultimate pace remained steady with that seen in Sprint Qualifying, with his 1m 30.817s an improvement of just 0.05s from 24 hours previous when he had been second fastest to Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull — Verstappen could manage only fourth in Qualifying

“Yeah, we made some changes and I think they were potentially positive for tomorrow,” he explained.

“But if it is going to be enough to actually put up a fight to the cars ahead, I think it will be quite tricky.”

Unlike McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari who all have two drivers in the top eight, Red Bull are unlikely to be able to play a strategic game, with Liam Lawson the slowest driver in Qualifying.

The New Zealander reported difficulties in keeping the RB21 and the Pirelli tyres within the narrow working window.

Reflecting on the difficulties of the session, Verstappen said: “[There was] just no real consistent grip out there and that makes it difficult to just get your references set.

“I felt good. I think the lap was nice but unfortunately, it was not quick enough.”