Verstappen on "super sensitive" Red Bull: 'We don't start well'

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has conceded the slow starts to race weekends by Red Bull is down to the sensitivity of the RB21 to set-up changes.

The Dutchman had finished second and fourth in the opening two grands prix of the season despite apparent troubles at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, before securing pole and victory in the Japanese Grand Prix.

That result put him just a point behind championship leader Lando Norris and asked by GPBlog about the difficulties faced with the Red Bull ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen replied: "It depends.

"Sometimes the balance is just a little better and sometimes it's a little less.

"So far, we usually don't start well because the car is just super sensitive to the small changes we make and then you try to get through the weekend to make sure you at least have the right balance for qualifying.

"The practices are also there to try things out. Of course, you want to be fast and do well. But sometimes things need to be tested and understood first."

Verstappen on correlation issues

At least part of the difficulties facing the Red Bull drivers is the difference between how the car drives in the simulator compared to in real-life on track.

Highlighting the issue, Verstappen added: "Yes, but sometimes it's better than in other weekends. I think the layout of the Suzuka circuit also didn't help with that.

"Because on the simulator, you can always slide a bit more naturally. But if that doesn't work in reality, you're more restricted."