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Pre-race concern for Verstappen as he 'hopes' DRS is fixed

Max Verstappen is due to start the Spanish Grand Prix from second on the grid, having lost out to Charles Leclerc after encountering a DRS issue in qualifying.

Red Bull mechanics are working flat out on Max Verstappen's car ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix amid apparent ongoing concerns over his DRS device. Verstappen's qualifying efforts at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya were hampered by the rear wing flap not opening on his final Q3 run, forcing him to abandon the lap. Between qualifying and the race, Red Bull replaced several parts on Verstappen's car, including the DRS flap pivot pins and DRS actuator. However, just over an hour before the scheduled race start, a hive of activity in the Red Bull garage - watched on by technical chief Adrian Newey - centred around Verstappen's rear wing, with mechanics appearing to make further adjustments.

Verstappen crossing his fingers for the race

Asked for his take on the situation ahead of the race, and if he is confident a fix has been put in place, Verstappen was non-committal. "Hopefully the DRS will be fixed, but let's see," Verstappen said during the drivers' parade. As for the fight against Leclerc and Ferrari in the hot Barcelona conditions, he added: "I think our car normally in the race should be a little bit better. Of course, there's still a few unknowns, but I do think we have a good shot." RacingNews365.com has asked Red Bull for comment on the garage activity.

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