Verstappen fears “painful” deficit to F1 rivals on straights

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says he is bracing himself for “painful” loses on the straights compared to Formula 1 rivals Mercedes and Ferrari at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. 

Following a strong pre-season test programme at Barcelona, Red Bull appears to have made encouraging gains with its chassis and has been tipped by Lewis Hamilton to emerge as Mercedes’ main challenger in 2018.

But Verstappen, who claimed two race wins last season in Malaysia and Mexico, remains wary about Red Bull’s potential - given that engine supplier Renault is yet to close the performance gap to Mercedes and Ferrari. 

“We have to wait and see,” he replied when made aware of Hamilton’s comments. “The car compared to last year, definitely made some good improvements. But for sure everybody improved. From my personal feeling we have quite a strong car. 

“But we have to wait and see how good our overall package is with the straights here. It is definitely going to be a bit painful there. For sure I am optimistic but also realistic, so we will just have to wait and see.”

Verstappen insists it is also important for Red Bull to ensure it maintains a strong level of development over the course of the campaign to avoid falling behind its rivals.

When asked if he feels Renault’s engine is the only thing that can prevent the team from challenging for the title, the Dutchman replied: “And the development of the car during the season. We have to be on top of that as well compared to Mercedes and Ferrari.

“In the past it has always been a strong point for Red Bull, the development during the season, but we have to wait and see how it is going to be this year again. 

“It is a different year again. But I am confident in the team that they can build a great car and also maintain that. But the overall package needs to be right."