Max Verstappen speaks out! Following the winter tests in Bahrain, speculation arose that Red Bull’s team was not on par with competitors McLaren and Ferrari. The Austrian racing stable seemed to be struggling with the setup of the RB21, the latest feat from Milton Keynes. According to the reigning world champion, there is indeed ‘work to be done’ for Red Bull. Moreover, he does not expect to compete for the win during the season opener in Melbourne.
“Work to be done,” is how Max Verstappen described his feelings after the winter tests in Bahrain. During an event at the Zandvoort circuit hosted by Viaplay, the Dutchman explained that Red Bull still has a lot of work to do before a competitive car is on the grid. “Looking at the lap times, I think McLaren is the favorite,” he elaborated. “On the other hand, I do have some ideas on how we can improve the car. Yesterday, I was in the simulator with the team. That being said, I don’t think we’ll be competing for the win in Melbourne.”
Presenter and former racer Giedo van der Garde asked Max Verstappen if he was satisfied with the upgrades that Red Bull has introduced with the RB21. “To be honest, we expected a bit more from it in Bahrain,” responded the 27-year-old driver. “After the tests, we went through the data again and the setup will probably be better in Melbourne, but as I said, there are a number of things that really need to be improved. In terms of balance, the car might be better, but kerbs and bumps are still not our strong suit.” Van der Garde then asked him about the understeer that plagued Red Bull last year. “That could also be better,” Verstappen laughed.
Max Verstappen in the RB21 during the test days at the Bahrain International Circuit (Red Bull Content Pool)
