Verstappen is not worried by Imola upgrades: 'We have a decent advantage'

Max Verstappen is not worried about the updates competing Formula 1 teams will bring to the next race in Imola. The championship leader stresses that Red Bull Racing are also working hard on improvements for the RB19.

In Imola, many updates are expected from the various F1 teams. Verstappen is by no means awake to that prospect, as Red Bull is not standing still either. Moreover, the Austrian racing stable currently enjoys a big lead over the rest, so it remains to be seen to what extent competing teams will be able to bridge the gap.

Verstappen sees big advantage for Red Bull

"I think we have a decent advantage, especially in the race. I think over one lap in some tracks, definitely some cars will be close or in front, like you could see in Baku. But yeah, that race pace advantage I think is quite big at the moment," Verstappen stated during the post-Miami Grand Prix press conference.

The fact that other teams will start coming out with update packages from the Emilia-Romagna GP does not necessarily mean that Red Bull will suddenly be knocked off the throne. "It's not like the others are bringing new bits and we're just standing still right. So hopefully, we can just keep it going like we're doing now," the two-time world champion concluded.

Verstappen currently leads the championship, 14 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. The Dutchman moved ahead in the standings after impressively taking the Miami GP victory. It seemed a tall order from ninth on the grid, but no one was up to the dizzying pace Verstappen showed from the very first free practice session on Friday.