F1 champion Max Verstappen looks back positively on F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. Max Verstappen has been at the wheel of Red Bull Racing’s new RB19 for the three days of F1 pre-season testing on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
“The car works very well. I did everything I wanted and I learned a lot. These were very positive days for me. I enjoyed driving this car,” said Max Verstappen. Max Verstappen says the RB19 feels much better than last year’s car. “Last year it was difficult to put the laps together, but of course that was because the car was too heavy. Then you put a lot of pressure on the front and it doesn’t feel very good, ” said Max. “But now it’s actually smoother. I’m very happy about that. It was the smoothest winter test I’ve ever had on a car of this generation. Compared to the previous generation. It’s tough, but compared to last year, it’s definitely better.” Everything that Max Verstappen wanted during the tests came true during the session. “Obviously, we expected some numbers from the data, the wind tunnel and the simulator,” said Verstappen. “If the installation works, it’s very nice. I was hoping it wouldn’t be too much of a problem, and I was hoping that when I ran it outside, it would balance out quickly, and then it would go to extremes. I can try it and I know which way to go.” For Max Verstappen, there is nothing major to change to the RB19 before the start of the season. “It’s just a matter of fine-tuning the car. Weather, wind and other conditions also play a part. I can’t say anything at the moment, but overall everything feels good.” Verstappen admitted that he feel a little stiff afterwards. “Yeah, that’s what I always feel,” said Verstappen. “It doesn’t matter how many laps you do, what circuit you do. When you get on the car for the first time, you always feel stiff. I was n feel a little uncomfortable around my neck. It’s mainly on my shoulders and my collarbone.” “Yes, I always feel it No matter how many laps I do, what circuit I’m n run it, when I sit in the car for the first time, I always feel stiff My neck I felt a little uncomfortable around my corner, but it’s mainly in my shoulder and collar bone because of the strap.” Max Verstappen was driving mainly on C3 tyres. This is also the qualifying tire for next week, so it was Verstappen’s own choice. “In the end, it doesn’t make much sense to run on softer tires in this circuit. I had it, but there was a little problem that made it unusable. It’s a big thing for me because in the end I will doing a lot of work on the C3. It wasn’t a problem.” Asked if it was difficult not to get too nervous after a smooth day of testing, Verstappen said: “No, but I think it’s not just me, it’s the whole team. .” he replied. “I know that everything is going well, but I also know that I need to stay sharp and always want to improve. But that’s the mentality in the team, so it’s natural. The first race of the season will starts next Sunday. At 16:00 CET, the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit go out. Max Verstappen does not want to predict yet. “After the first race you will know where you will finish. It is hard to say where the rest will be. The most important thing is to focus on ourselves. In any case, we will be ourselves. I’m happy with what we have coming
