Max Verstappen has voiced some worry over his Red Bull RB21, despite having claimed a triumphant victory in the United States Grand Prix Sprint.
Verstappen converted sprint pole into the sprint win at the Circuit of the Americas, ahead of George Russell and Carlos Sainz.
The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had started in second and third, but both crashed out at the first corner after being involved in a multi-car collision with Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso.
As a result, Verstappen has reduced his deficit to Piastri in the drivers' title to 55 points, although is aware that Red Bull has work to do.
Verstappen visibly struggled for rear grip and slid on the exit of several corners, something he complained about over the radio and believes needs working on before qualifying.
"The start was good," said Verstappen. "Then, of course, there was a safety car because of that Turn 1 incident. It took a few laps after the safety car to have decent pace.
"So we need to figure out what was going on there. But nevertheless, we won the sprint, which is, of course, the most important.
"But of course, already looking at for tomorrow, I do think we need to be a bit better in race trim to be able to fight the McLarens, because we haven't seen anything of them."
Asked if he knows what Red Bull can do to improve the car, Verstappen answered: "Of course, we have some ideas what we can do. And then hopefully we'll just, yeah, stick a bit better tomorrow."
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