F1: Is Red Bull in trouble or will they recover on Saturday?

After two free practice sessions in Singapore, both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are struggling with sliding rear ends and finding the right balance.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Red Bull is losing 4-tenths in the first sector, according to Helmut Marko.

While many suspected it has something to do with the revised TD039 which led to Red Bull bringing the modified floor, both drivers took turns with the modified floor comparing with the old spec and lap times showed RB19 with the modified floor is faster, especially Checo being fastest on mediums.

Verstappen was running the modified floor in FP1 and Perez running the floor in FP2.

Only two modified floors are available for Singapore, and the drivers have been advised not to risk any damage.

With only two practice sessions, it’s still too early to draw any conclusions.

It can simply be the team hasn’t found the right balance with the upgrades on one of the weakest tracks for Red Bull.

“A lot to work on tonight; we’re not where we want to be, but I believe we’ll be in a position to close the gap,” said last year’s race winner, Sergio Perez.

“It is being difficult with the rear, especially in FP2.

“We expected Ferrari to be strong. We want to make cuts, but it will be difficult”

“I think there is some interesting bits going on. We seem to be struggling quite a bit with the rear end of the car in FP2.

“We need to find a solution overnight because we know that Qualifying is important. We are just too far away.”