Verstappen on the podium after his win in Mexico in 2017. Picture via Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News
Verstappen: We need to be within three tenths
Max Verstappen is targeting a race win in Melbourne, but says that his Red Bull car must be within three or four tenths in qualifying.
The Dutch superstar already has three wins in motorsport's pinnacle category, despite being only 20, but this isn't stopping him targeting further success in Australia.
It is difficult to tell which of the big three teams (Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull) are the frontrunner at this stage after testing, but analysis suggests that they are all close.
Verstappen says Red Bull must be close to the front in qualifying, telling the media: "Once you are within three or four tenths in qualifying, at least you can fight them in the race because normally in the race it should be a bit closer.
"We are definitely targeting to be within those three tenths."
Verstappen also expressed confidence in his car, which in previous years has been slower at the beginning of the year before catching up thorugh upgrades during the season.
Verstappen and team-mate Ricciardo will hope that Red Bull can hit the ground running and give them both a shot at the drivers' title.
"Our car from the beginning of 2017 to the end was already a massive difference, so we expect to be a lot closer." Verstappen explained.
"I don't know how close we will but, but we will find out in practice and qualifying over there (in Melbourne)."