Red Bull faces setup challenges at the new Madrid Formula 1 circuit

Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache confirmed the team lacks sufficient pace following Friday practice sessions at the Madring circuit. Verstappen finished fifth in FP1 and sixth in FP2, trailing pacesetter Kimi Antonelli by four tenths of a second. Wache noted that the team’s simulator failed to accurately predict the track's surface bumpiness, ride quality, and tyre graining levels. While setup adjustments were made between sessions, Verstappen also dealt with a deleted lap time for track limits and an unexpected steering issue. Despite these technical hurdles, Wache expressed optimism regarding the team's long-run race pace and tyre management. Red Bull continues to work on optimizing energy deployment and overall balance ahead of Saturday's qualifying session.

• 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Wache concedes Red Bull 'not quick enough' as simulator failed to predict Madring challenges