Hard Friday session followed reigning drivers and constructors champions Red Bull at the Imola’s practice sessions.
With the start of the European leg of races, many teams have brought upgrades to shake up the field and close the gap to the Austrian outfit.
However, Red Bull’s upgrades which include a new front wing complex, reshaped floor, and rear bodywork have put McLaren and Ferrari as the Sunday’s favorites.
Verstappen’s and Perez’ RB20 could only manage to go 4th and 5th and 7th and 8th respectively, throughout practice sessions.
The current championship leader was off the pace especially in the afternoon’s program as he managed to carry his RB20 just half-a-second shy of Charles Leclerc’s time.
“A difficult day. Just difficult to get a good balance and just not really feeling comfortable in the car, moving around a lot.”
At one point Verstappen’s flying lap was compromised after ‘visiting’ gravel in the Rivazza section of the track (Turns 17 and 18)
“Today we were just severely off the pace that we need to fix.” – Dutchman embraced a defeating day for RB20.
If Red Bull does not fix its settings for Saturday’s morning practice, Verstappen’s record equalizer of eight consecutive pole positions would be put in danger.