Red Bull performance hit by balance and grip issues - Verstappen

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was anything but pleased with his opening day of running at the Italian Grand Prix.

Monza's high-speed layout proved challenging on Friday for Red Bull's RB16, with Verstappen complaining of a general lack of balance and grip, a weakness validated by a spin for the Dutchman in FP1 that could have had tougher consequences.

"I think there was a bit of damage on the bottom of the car that the mechanics will get into as well, but thankfully it was just the front wing," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told Sky Sports F1.

"He [Verstappen$ has got a bit of a disconnect in balance as well at the moment. I am sure we can tune that out, hopefully for the next session."

Italian Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Verstappen confirmed the handling difficulties which evidently had not yet been ironed out in FP2

"We are struggling with general balance and grip today so we have quite a bit of work to do and it wasn’t the best start to the weekend," he said.

"We were all trying to find the limits out on track and at Turn 11 if you have a bit of a moment then it is better to just let the car run wide as it doesn’t really matter during practice, which is why lots of us were having times deleted.

"The Team fixed my car quickly during FP1 and I didn’t have any affects from that in FP2 so there are no concerns there.

"I’m not too sure yet how the tyre wear will be but normally if you have a balanced car then the tyre wear will be ok, so we need to find that balance before qualifying."

©RedBull

Teammate Alex Albon was a lowly P14 in FP2 having had his best lap time deleted for exceeding track limits, a fate that befell many drivers on Friday.

"What we’re seeing is people backing up into you in the last corner as they start their lap and so you get their dirty air and then you struggle to stay tight to the corner," Albon explained.

"Obviously everyone is trying to make a gap to start their lap but it should be a little easier when qualifying starts because everyone is pushing at the same time."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.