Verstappen looks back on first day of testing: 'Positively surprised'

Max Verstappen finished third during the first day of testing in Bahrain, more than two tenths behind top man Lando Norris. But according to the reigning world champion, all that said little. The main news of the day for Verstappen? Everything was performing as it should in his Red Bull Racing RB21.

"From the driving I did today everything felt good," was his first reaction after getting out the car following the afternoon testing session in Bahrain. "Only good surprises which was good. We don’t know pace yet but everything is working well and the car is doing what I want it to do. It is all in control and that is what we can hope for really to start of my testing."

Over the next few days, Red Bull and Verstappen will continue to work hard on further fine-tuning the car. "We are constantly learning and trying different things and will continue to do so. It is not about hitting the perfect lap but it is about working on our testing programme and learning what direction we need to push the car forwards to get it under control," Verstappen concluded.

At least on Thursday, Verstappen will not be manning the RB21 controls himself. Although the Red Bull Racing driver will be found in the paddock, Liam Lawson will be taking over the driving duties in the morning and afternoon sessions. Only on Friday will the four-time worldchampion return to action for both sessions.