Optimistic Verstappen 'trying to aim for the podium' but knows issues 'won't be solved'

Max Verstappen remained optimistic about his potential podium chances at the Bahrain Grand Prix but admits that the problems wth the RB21 'won't be solved'.

Even a few hours before the Grand Prix, Verstappen's opinion was the same: “Overall, it has been very difficult,” said Verstappen, as he was driven around the circuit on a truck with his F1 colleagues during the drivers' parade.

Regarding the issues, such as balance and tire degradation, he said: “I don't think we can solve those, of course, for this weekend. It will be a tough race, but we'll try our best.”

Verstappen expresses his ambitions

None of the competition have underestimated Verstappen beforehand. It is assumed in the paddock that the Dutchman will work his way back to the front. Verstappen himself also doesn't give up beforehand.

“We will at least try. It was not easy this weekend to get the car the way we wanted. We will try. Hopefully, it will be a good race where we at least aim for the podium,” concluded the driver of Red Bull Racing.

This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen