Verstappen drives with almost the same RB18 as last week in Bahrain

Red Bull Racing did not introduce any major updates during the first day of preparation for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Max Verstappen says after the second free practice it will be the  current package of the RB18 that he will have to drive to victory in the first race of 2022.

No updates for Red Bull

At Viaplay, Verstappen is asked if the fact that he is so satisfied with the current car and its components means that Red Bull Racing has not put any updates on the RB18 at this time. "We have all planned when the next steps will come. Now we have this and we have to do it with that. We are fine-tuning and it looks good."

The advantage for Red Bull and the other Formula One teams is that three full days of driving at the Bahrain International Circuit already took place last week. In this way, the broad outlines have already been determined and the analysis can immediately be carried out in greater depth. Regarding the lay-out of the circuit, nothing has changed. "After those days you already have a pretty good balance, but then it's about those little details that take time," says Verstappen.

Verstappen was less than a tenth faster than Charles Leclerc during the two free practice sessions, while the other Ferrari driver[Carlos Sainz] claimed third place. From Mercedes, Red Bull did not have much to fear on Friday. The German formation will have to step up its game if it wants to win the pole position on Saturday.