Max Verstappen admits the likelihood of Red Bull facing a “painful” deficit down the straights is his main concern ahead of the Australian GP.
Though the Anglo-Austrian team is expected to be potentially the nearest challengers to Mercedes this weekend in Melbourne, it is the performance of their Renault engine which remains the biggest unknown.
The French manufacturer has repeatedly maintained gains in both power and reliability have been made for this season, but with Mercedes and Ferrari also upping their output the Dutchman knows where his team’s weakness lies.
“We have to wait and see how good our overall package is with the straights here,” he said on Thursday. “It is definitely going to be a bit painful there.”
Despite that the 20-year-old was upbeat, adding: “I think the car compared to last year definitely made good improvements again.
“From my personal feeling, we have quite a strong car. I am optimistic but also realistic. We have to wait and see.”
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Teammate and local favourite Daniel Ricciardo is also positive about Red Bull’s chances as he looks to finally become the first Australian to finish and keep a podium result Down Under.
“I think we’re still going to be leading the pack for now. Hopefully, we’re deep in that front group and have the chance to stand up on that podium,” he commented.
Should he get the job done at Albert Park, there is only way the 28-year-old could celebrate in front of his fellow Aussies.
“If I win, absolutely. The shoe will come back. It’s been a while,” Ricciardo added. “I have had some very nice victories and ones I have enjoyed a lot, but this would overcome all those by a mile.”
