Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admits he has seen a different approach to pre-season from Max Verstappen in 2019.
Now front and centre of the Anglo-Austrian team's focus, the Dutchman also sees a much better opportunity to fight for the Formula 1 title with a Honda engine in the back as opposed to the Renault of the past few years.
That combined with learning lessons from his past means Verstappen is almost a new man as he prepares for the new season.
“Max did already a very positive step by being enthusiastic and concentrating with his testing,” Marko told Sky Sports.
“Before testing was a little bit boring for him, he just saw it as a duty, but now he understands it is very, very important to have his input for the engineers to develop the car.
“We had some discussions and patience is one thing for sure he will show and he also understands if he can’t win, it’s still important to get points and finish races, otherwise you won’t win any championship.
“He is mature now, still young, but far more mature now and feels happy with the drivability from the engine. I think both he and the team are going into the season with a lot of confidence.”
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Even Marko concedes, however, the start from Ferrari in Barcelona has been particularly impressive.
“What I saw out on the circuit, Ferrari for sure at the moment is the fastest car,” he continued to the British broadcaster.
“Then behind that, it is Red Bull and Mercedes, so let’s see what we can do until Melbourne.
“We are quite optimistic that this year we can win races from our strength and not only at specialist circuits like Monte Carlo and Singapore.”
