Verstappen: 'Wait until Melbourne and see how much power Mercedes will add'

Speaking to GPblog among other media in Bahrain, the four-time world champion had no doubts about how much extra power Mercedes’ power unit still has in reserve: “I can tell you one thing already — wait until Melbourne and see how much power they will add. I already know that.”

When it was put to him that Wolff had suggested the trick was worth just two or three horsepower, the Dutchman added with a laugh: “Just add a zero to that, and more.”

He finally added: “I understand what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to shift the focus onto us, because yesterday we were quick on a lap. You have to look at it from both sides. Just wait and see in Melbourne how strong they’ll be on the straights.”

Red Bull’s Bahrain test got off to a strong start, with Verstappen logging heavy mileage on day one and the team quickly ticking off key items on its programme. The reigning world champion remains confident there is more to come as testing resumes on February 18–20.

Within the paddock, the RB22 has already drawn positive remarks — particularly from rival top teams — although any meaningful assessment of performance or the competitive order remains premature at this stage.