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

  • Published on 23 Mar 2019 14:27
  • comments 2
  • By: Fergal Walsh

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."

cricho

Posts: 80

I think they got it.
Newey nailed it!
Watch out for RBR this year......

  • 1
  • Mar 24 2019 - 13:10

Replies (2)

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  • It is indeed a freak of a circuit. However, I'd venture to say it is one that generally wouldn't flatter a Red Bull, so either this car isn't very typical of Red Bull, or they're on to something good. Not win-good, but podium worthy.

    • + 0
    • Mar 23 2019 - 22:50
  • cricho

    Posts: 80

    I think they got it.
    Newey nailed it!
    Watch out for RBR this year......

    • + 1
    • Mar 24 2019 - 13:10

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Date
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Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
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21 - Jun 23
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28 - Jun 30
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5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
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26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
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13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
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29 - Dec 1
Qatar
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United Arab Emirates
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
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21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
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United Kingdom Silverstone
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Hungary Hungaroring
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23 - Aug 25
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Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
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18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 2,980
  • Podiums 111
  • Grand Prix 206
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (27)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
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