Just In:Verstappen concedes Red Bull ‘too slow’ around Las Vegas as he takes P5 in qualifying….

The highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session has come to a close, and the results have left many in the Formula 1 paddock surprised. Max Verstappen, the reigning World Drivers’ Champion, could only manage to secure fifth place on the grid, a far cry from his usual dominance.

In the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen conceded that Red Bull is “too slow” around the streets of Las Vegas. Despite the team’s best efforts, they were unable to extract the necessary pace from their car, leaving Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez struggling to keep up with their rivals.

_What Went Wrong for Red Bull?_

So, what exactly went wrong for Red Bull in Las Vegas qualifying? According to Verstappen, the team’s struggles can be attributed to their inability to get their tires to work effectively over a single lap. This issue, combined with their rear wing specification, has resulted in a significant deficit in top-end speed along the lengthy straights in Las Vegas.

“We’re just a bit too slow,” Verstappen admitted. “We have been struggling to get the tires to work over a lap, and we are too slow on the straights as well.” Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Red Bull has a “fundamental issue” that needs to be addressed.

_Can Red Bull Bounce Back in the Race?_

Despite their disappointing qualifying performance, Red Bull remains optimistic about their chances in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen noted that the team’s weaknesses may be less pronounced in race trim, and that they can still capitalize on their strengths in the longer runs.

“We’ll see what we can do tomorrow,” Verstappen said. “We’ll try to make the best of it and score as many points as possible.” With Verstappen’s fifth-place qualifying position, he will start the race on the third row of the grid, alongside his sole remaining title rival, Lando Norris.

_The Championship Implications_

The outcome of the Las Vegas Grand Prix will have significant implications for the World Drivers’ Championship. If Verstappen and Norris finish the race in their qualifying positions, Verstappen will secure his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title.

However, if Norris can manage to outscore Verstappen, the championship fight will continue to the final round in Abu Dhabi. The pressure is on for both drivers, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be an exhilarating and unpredictable ride.

Max Verstappen’s concession that Red Bull is “too slow” in Las Vegas qualifying has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. Despite their disappointing performance, Red Bull remains optimistic about their chances in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Can Verstappen and Red Bull bounce back from their qualifying struggles and secure a crucial victory in their championship quest? The answer will have to wait until the lights go out in Las Vegas.