RB18 still too heavy: 'That's why you can't push to the limit'

Max Verstappen is happy with his RB18 during the weekend before the Austrian Grand Prix. Nevertheless, according to the Dutchman, the Red Bull car is still a little too heavy, preventing him from making the most of qualifying. Nevertheless, Verstappen will start from pole position on Sunday.

"The car is good, that's always something positive," Verstappen told De Telegraaf. The Dutchman drove the sprint race on mediums. Verstappen says he will definitely use those tyres during the main race on Sunday as well.

In an earlier interview, the Red Bull driver said he expected an exciting fight with Ferrari. The pace was close today, so we can expect a close fight on Sunday.

The one-time world champion knows tyre management will be important. In general, Red Bull has often been faster than Ferrari in the race this season. In qualifying, however, Verstappen's team can still improve.

"Our car is still not great over one lap, but that is also because we are still a bit too heavy. That means you can't push to the limit in qualifying. During a race it doesn't bother you as much, because the weight problem is less noticeable with a full tank," Verstappen said.