Max Verstappen is set to began his title defence next weekend at the Australian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver does not seem to have high expectations for the season opener, he explained at press event Zandvoort, where GPblog was also present.
When analysing the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain that took place a week ago, Verstappen believes works needs to be done. The Dutchman explained that McLaren will start the year as favourites in Melbourne, based on what he saw in the desert. "On the other hand, I think we do have some ideas on how to improve the car," Verstappen says.
Last Thursday, Verstappen was in Red Bull's simulator in Milton Keynes, and had a clear verdict afterwads. "I don't think we can compete for victory in Melbourne, but hopefully we will be able to make improvements within a few races," he shared.
Verstappen expected more from the RB21
The RB20 will not go down in history as one of Verstappen's favourite cars, and Red Bull were working hard over the winter to get back to where they were a year ago. Verstappen says he expected more from the RB21 however. "It's never good enough of course, but I think we expected a very little bit more from it ourselves," he said.
"After the test you do have time to go through the data and come to certain conclusions. I think it can be tuned a bit more optimally in Melbourne. But like I said, I think we do need to improve some things," the four-time world champion concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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