Verstappen lyrical about Red Bull: 'If that works, that's really great'

For Max Verstappen, this year's winter test is a world of difference compared to a year before. Not only is he happy with the car Red Bull Racing has delivered, he is also very pleased that the balance was right from the start.

In recent days, Verstappen says he was able to finish everything he and Red Bull wanted and learn a lot for the opening race. The two-time world champion even called the RB19 a "pleasure to drive".

Verstappen on winter test Bahrain

The RB18 proved to be an extremely strong bolide in the 2022 Formula 1 season, but did have some start-up problems. For instance, Red Bull Racing started the season with a double failure and the car was far too heavy, but major improvements were made during the year.

"With this generation of cars, it is the smoothest winter test I have ever had. It is difficult to compare with previous generations though, but compared to last year it is definitely better," Verstappen concluded in conversation with Viaplay.

So far, the results of the test match what Red Bull has seen in the winter tunnel and simulator. "Of course, we were hoping to see certain numbers from the data, the wind tunnel and simulator. If that setup then just works, that's really top," Verstappen continued. Apart from that, he was particularly hoping for a trouble-free winter test in which the balance was right from the start. That was also the case, so the reigning world champion has nothing to complain about.

For Bahrain, it is now a matter of fine-tuning. "It will also depend on the weather, wind and other conditions. So it's a bit difficult to say at the moment. But in general everything is looking pretty good," Verstappen said.