Max Verstappen arrived in Melbourne on Thursday in good spirits and with a, in his own words, proud feeling about Red Bull’s preparation for the new season. “We might not be the fastest, but I am happy with how we have done as a team.“
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The Dutchman expressed his dissatisfaction with the new regulations during the testing weeks, but that does not detract from the fact that he is, in his own words, proud of the work everyone within the Red Bull team has put in leading up to the new F1 season. Not only regarding a new car, but also because of the entire project where Red Bull Powertrains, in collaboration with Ford, developed its own power unit.
Surprised
“I am very happy with what we have done in preparation,” Verstappen said on Thursday, a few days before the first Grand Prix of the year. “Especially how the whole project, with the engine and the car, came together. I was immediately positively surprised by how everything felt.”
He continues: “The regulatory changes are complex for everyone, but in terms of feeling in the car, it was good. Of course, I gave my opinion on the things I didn’t like, but what has happened within the team is fantastic. So I am very happy with that.”
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It offers no guarantees for a successful opening weekend, as the four-time world champion knows. “We did learn in Bahrain during the testing days that we will not be the fastest team. But where exactly we stand, no idea. We’ll see where we start. But as a team, we have done good work lately regardless, I think we are doing the right things.”
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Read everything about the Australian GP here
