Verstappen believes the RB19 is “100%” better than its predecessor

Confidence is at its peak among Max Verstappen. The two-time reigning world champion had an impressive performance during pre-season testing at the end of February in Bahrain.

He is logically the favorite for the opening round on the same circuit, in Sakhir. Especially since optimism is in order for the Dutchman.

At a press conference, when asked if he thought his team was in a better position heading into 2022, the driver Red Bull responded : " 100% ". According to him, the car has improved " everywhere " compared to last season's RB18.

“Our car was a bit heavy last year so naturally it's in a much better window and what you learn throughout last year gives you a much better understanding of the car.

Sure, it naturally makes it better, but that doesn't mean we're happy, adds Max Verstappen. I think we are never satisfied, you always want to do better and we want to make improvements to the car, that's what we will do. »

RB19 closer to Verstappen's driving style 

In 2022, weight was one of the main problems of the RB18. On the 2023 mount, the RB19, the minimum mass of 798 kilograms would have been reached, which should allow Red Bull to have more freedom in the settings.

An advantage for Verstappen, who should therefore have a car which is closer to his driving style. Despite the regulatory changes this season, including the floor raised by 15 millimeters, performance does not seem to have been impacted according to Max Verstappen, after reading the winter tests.

“We had three very good days [of testing], recalls Verstappen. The progress we made this winter was really good. We have to show it this weekend, and not just this weekend, but continue to develop. Each track is also a little different in terms of how the car handles, but the testing days were good for us. »

It remains to be seen whether Red Bull can maintain a high pace of development throughout the season. The Austrian team will have to undergo restrictions on wind tunnel and CFD (digital fluid mechanics) tests because of the sanction imposed by the FIA ​​for exceeding the budget ceiling, in 2021. And their title of Manufacturers' world champion.

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