Verstappen expresses hope: "I hope it's better, but let's see"

Max Verstappen's name was at the top of the list for a while in FP1 in Australia, but eventually was outpace by both Ferrari's and teammate Sergio Perez. The Red Bull Racing driver believes that the two teams are strongly matched on the renewed Albert Park circuit.

The necessary adjustments have been made to the circuit to encourage overtaking. Part of these changes are the four DRS zones that have been constructed. Verstappen expressed his hope during the press conference that racing at Albert Park will improve.

"I hope it's better, but let's see. Different track layout but we'll go at it again," the Dutchman began. He adds that his team is constantly trying to improve the car and come up with new things to make it faster.

He finds it difficult to estimate how Red Bull will stand in the long run compared to the competition at Ferrari. He does confirm that the title battle, based on the first two races, will probably be between Red Bull and Ferrari.

However, he emphasizes that the balance of power can be different at each circuit. "We are closely matched. It's going to be about who is going to develop the car the fastest and understand the car the best," Verstappen said.