FORMULA 1 F1 CALENDAR 2026 LEWIS HAMILTON MOTOGP RUMOURS

Verstappen shifts ‘quickest’ tag onto rivals ahead of 2026 season opener

Photo: RacePictures

F1 News

07:35, 05 Mar

Updated: 07:43, 05 Mar

0 Comments

byTobia Elia

Max Verstappen does not expect Red Bull to be the fastest car heading into the season opener in Australia.

"From the things that I think we learned in Bahrain at least, we're not the quickest. But I have no idea. We'll just see where we are here to start with"

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen sets his target for Melbourne

Red Bull were among the teams that impressed the most during testing in Bahrain, showing strong reliability from the new power unit developed in-house with technical support from Ford, although they did not fully reveal their true pace — unlike Ferrari, which appeared to push harder during the final phase of the final day.

When asked by GPblog whether fighting for victory or a podium in Melbourne is a realistic target, the four-time world champion replied: "I have no idea. I'm very happy with what we did in pre-season. It's been a really great and proud moment for everyone, how the whole project came together between the engine and the car.

"I was really positively surprised with how basically everything felt also. The rule changes have been really complex for everyone, but in terms of the feeling in the car, driving experience between the engine and the car, it was good. Of course, I've had my say on the other things that I didn't like, but what happened here within the team has been really, really good, so we are very happy with that."

Photo: Race Pictures

In conclusion, the Dutchman said he does not expect the RB22 to be the fastest car based on what emerged from testing in Bahrain, adding that he prefers to wait and see what happens in Melbourne before drawing any firm conclusions.

"Now, of course, looking on the performance side of things, I think we want to be a little bit faster. And naturally, I think everyone always wants to be faster. But from the things that I think we learned in Bahrain at least, we're not the quickest. But I have no idea. We'll just see where we are here to start with."

Hamilton raises major Red Bull doubts ahead of Australian GP

The Brit admitted the true competitive order remains difficult to read at this early stage of the season, pointing out that Mercedes appear particularly quick while hinting that Red Bull may still be keeping its real pace under wraps.

The seven-time world champion acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the field but said it only adds to the excitement ahead of the opening races. Hamilton also expressed strong belief in the team around him, praising the group’s determination to keep finding performance and maximise every opportunity throughout the race weekends.

Read the full story here.