Verstappen: Red Bull's potential won't be clear until after China

Red Bull won't know where it truly stands in the pecking order until after the Chinese Grand Prix, according to its driver Max Verstappen.

The energy drink squad got its campaign off to a strong start in Australia last weekend, securing a podium finish in its first race with Honda as its power unit supplier.

Verstappen crossed the line in third place, but reeled in Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton towards the end to keep the five-time world champion on his toes. 

However, Verstappen has urged his team not to get carried away with the result, as he described Albert Park in Melbourne as "not a typical circuit".

"Starting the season with a podium in Australia is really positive but Melbourne is not a typical circuit, so we can’t get carried away," Verstappen said. "I don’t think we will really know where we stand until after China.”

Bahrain hosts the second round of the world championship next weekend, a race that Red Bull has won twice at (2012 and 2013).

Verstappen will be hoping for a strong result this time around in Bahrain, having not recorded a result higher than sixth at the Sakhir International Circuit. 

“I enjoy the track and the transition from day to night is a challenge in terms of car balance, so that always makes it an interesting weekend," Verstappen said.

"You never really know where you stand when you start qualifying because you haven’t had the optimal preparation as the track conditions aren't the same during practice.

"The middle sector, which is quite technical, is the best part of the Bahrain circuit and I hope it’s good for racing again this year."