Verstappen issues hard verdict on RB21: 'Still not where we want to be'

In the end, Verstappen's best efforts in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix were only good enough for P4, and even then, the Dutchman argues it's still not a representative delta to McLaren. "It was alright, but just a little bit too slow to really be up there," said Verstappen to media present at the Shanghai international paddock. "The gap looks quite close, but I honestly don't think that's a real gap." 

Indeed, in race trim, the four-time world champion expects it to be, "Bigger than what it is at the moment." Surely a frustrating situation for Verstappen, to be unable to attack the drivers ahead. However, the Red Bull Racing driver just focuses on what he can control. "I just try to at least to make sure that I can't be upset with myself in terms of performances. I'm just trying to maximise everything I can, try to help the team to improve the car. So that's what we focus on."

Verstappen issues verdict on RB21

Verstappen still sees that the RB21 will struggle to keep its tyres alive during the race. "I don't think the track will improve that much over a day. That will still be very tough to manage. We made a few changes, I hope that it's going to be a little bit better, but I don't expect it to be a night and day difference in terms of actually being able to keep up with the cars ahead. We'll find out."

On whether Red Bull has met its goals with the RB21, the Dutchman is then very clear. "It's clearly better than last year, but it still looks like it's not where I want it to be. It's difficult to put a number on it, but it's clear that it's still not where we want it to be," concluded Verstappen