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Max Verstappen has doubts over his chances of finishing on the podium in Abu Dhabi. The Dutchman has had a so far frustrating weekend, as he has been unable to find the pace that has seen him take two wins in the second stage of the season.
Verstappen qualified in sixth place while teammate Daniel Ricciardo managed to split both Ferrari's. The 20-year-old is still not sure why he couldn't get his setup to work around the Yas Marina Circuit but is hopeful his long run pace will be better.
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"What has worked for me all year does not work here," Verstappen told Algemeen Dagblad newspaper after qualifying. "For one reason or another, we have not managed to find my kind of setup. I suppose it happens sometimes. You always have to stay positive. Maybe the long runs will be better. I don't know if the podium is possible. I have no idea."
One positive is that, amid Renault's recent reliability troubles, the French engine supplier is allowing Red Bull to use 100 percent throttle this weekend: "I think so, yes," Verstappen confirmed. "I have not had any problems this weekend. I think we should definitely get full power in the beginning, and we can then always put the engine in safe mode if we need to."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Anything can happen Max...