It's not been the most straightforward start for Max Verstappen after the first practice session of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Helmut Marko reported that the Dutchman was suffering from a problem during FP1, which did not seem to impact teammate Sergio Perez. According to Team Principal Christian Horner the issues largely stem from the changing conditions at the track during FP1 compared to pre-season testing, admitting that both drivers felt there were "certain things" that were different from the test. "Conditions are constantly changing, that's one of the challenges of Grand Prix cars and racing. We have more rubber going down on the circuit, or different types of rubber, and it's just a matter of tuning the car in," said Horner to media, including RacingNews365.com . "There were certain things that both drivers felt slightly different to the test last week, but I think that's common up and down the field." When asked if Verstappen received a new chassis over the one used in testing last week, Horner confirmed both chassis at the race this weekend were used over the three days. "We only have two. They both got used in the test last week and Max drove the chassis," he explained.
Track temperature a factor
The ambient track temperature hit 38 degrees during FP1, which takes place at midday local time. This will likely be lower during FP2 and the race on Sunday, as the sessions take place in the evening when temperatures tend to cool down. Horner says this will be a factor when determining the setup of the car. He added: "They're [drivers] working hard with their engineers and this evening - at a time when we qualify tomorrow and race on Sunday - the the track temperature is going to be 20 degrees less than what we have in that session. "So you don't want to chase too much in a direction that might significantly change with the temperature drop as well."
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