Verstappen: Red Bull "not too far off the Mercedes"

Max Verstappen looks back with satisfaction on Friday at Mugello. The Red Bull Racing driver sees positive signs for the rest of the weekend.

"We're not too far from Mercedes, that's a good thing," says Verstappen to Sky Sports. "Balance wise there are things to improve but overall I am pleased.

"It is a cool track, so many fast corners. It's quite incredible, it's a lot of fun to drive," he continues. "There are no slow corners, I like that."

About the conditions at Mugello, Verstappen says: "I felt good today, but Sunday is going to be pretty hot. Driving 59 laps in a row may not be easy, but I do like a challenge. We shouldn't complain either. We train hard to be in the car."

It was expected that the tyres would get very worn, but on the first day it was not that bad, according to the 22-year-old Dutchman. "It's actually not that bad. I didn't expect it to be as good," he concludes.