JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 07: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images).

Max Verstappen underlined that Red Bull’s best characteristic is race pace, but he still aims for perfection and believes that the team can improve in qualifying runs.

The Dutch driver topped FP1 and came in third in FP2. Despite not being the fastest in the second session, Verstappen showed great pace when he simulated the race pace in the second part of the second free practice.

He admitted that other teams might be faster in the single-lap, but he felt his RB20 was great in the long run.

“I think the others used a bit more power, like in Bahrain, but I’m quite satisfied with the long runs.

“Others might be a little stronger over one lap, but our car really comes alive in the long run.

“There are always things that can be improved,” he added. “Such as the speed over one lap.”

Verstappen had a positive day in general, and he also praised the event’s organizers for how they managed to prepare the track as the level of grip was high, and the circuit wasn’t that dirty.

“It went quite well in general. They prepared the track quite well because it was not really dirty. The speed was quite good and overall we learned a lot.”