Max Verstappen is pleased that the Formula 1 season has resumed. The Dutchman and his Red Bull team have learned a lot about the RB21, including tyre degradation, during the opening weekend in Melbourne. Verstappen is now focusing on the Grand Prix of China, and the first sprint weekend of the year.
Max Verstappen finished second in the first Grand Prix of the year in Melbourne. The Dutchman came very close to race leader and eventual winner Lando Norris in the final laps of the Australian race. However, the Brit came out on top, and Verstappen lost his lead in the drivers’ championship for the first time in 1029 days.
Despite Verstappen having to concede the Australian victory to rival Norris, the Dutchman is pleased that the season has resumed. “Together with the team, we learned a lot and in the end, I was also quite happy with the second place,” Verstappen says in the race preview. The Red Bull driver still makes a small note after the opening weekend in Melbourne. “We still have a lot to improve. Especially the tyre degradation had a big effect on our race, but we learned a lot from it.”
First Sprint Weekend
The Formula 1 circus travels to Shanghai this week for the first sprint weekend of the season. According to Verstappen, it is therefore necessary for Red Bull to have ‘the best possible car setup’ and ‘score as many points as possible’. Especially since the teams only get one free practice. “I always enjoy racing in Shanghai, as there are many opportunities to overtake here,” Verstappen looks ahead. “The circuit has a unique layout, so we’ll see what the weekend brings.”
