Verstappen happy with pre-season test: 'The car reacted very well'

On the second day of winter testing in Bahrain, Max Verstappen was once again in good shape. The Red Bull Racing driver did not have a trouble-free afternoon, but nevertheless set a second fastest time. The Dutchman therefore looks back with satisfaction on his part in the winter test, which is over after Friday.

At the end of the second day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Verstappen was only ahead of Guanyu Zhou. The Alfa Romeo driver surprised with the fastest time, but with a caveat: he clocked that time on two compounds softer than Verstappen.

The reigning world champion stepped into the RB19 in the afternoon, after Sergio Perez had taken charge of the morning session. Due to a technical problem, Red Bull Racing was admittedly slightly less productive than a day earlier, but other than that the day went according to plan. Verstappen is therefore very happy with how his part of the winter test went.

Verstappen satisfied with pre-season test

"Testing went well so far. Especially on Thursday, when we drove a lot of laps and were able to try out a lot of things," a satisfied Verstappen told Verstappen.com. "Today we focused a bit more on the details and we made some small steps. The car reacted very well to everything we changed. We also learned a lot again, for next weekend but also for the races after that. I'm really satisfied."

The two-time world champion is extremely proud of the work his team has done over the winter period. "From the first metres, everything went smoothly. The credit for that goes to everyone at the Oracle Red Bull Racing factory," he continued. "Every time I drove the car, I felt comfortable and we were able to go for it straight away."

Verstappen dare not yet make any predictions about the first race of the year, which also takes place in Bahrain a week after the winter test. However, he is clearly excited about the car his team has built for the 2023 F1 season. "It remains to be seen how fast we will be here next week at the Grand Prix, but I am optimistic," Verstappen said.