Verstappen says "testing doesn't really show you anything" of actual performance

Verstappen ended Wednesday second fastest behind Robert Kubica, with a time of 1:17.347 and amassed a total of 83 laps in the RB16.
 
Mercedes set the pace through Valtteri Bottas’ time of 1:15.732 last week, while teams were focusing more on longer runs with the C2 tyre Wednesday.
 
But the Dutchman feels positive about the Red Bull, but insists that everyone will only see the real level of performance at the first race in Melbourne.

"So far it's ok but it's testing so it's really difficult to say if it's good enough," Verstappen told a group of the media including GPBlog.

"Everything feels quick and it feels like we have a lot of grip but the other cars have a lot of grip so we just have to wait and see what's going to happen in Melbourne and after. 

"I feel good in the car but you can never know if it's good enough. Testing doesn't really show you anything.”

The 22-year old brought the afternoon session to an early close after losing control of the car at turn 10 of the Circuit de Catalunya, bringing out the red flag.

While unsure of whether there are any issues with the RB16, Verstappen outlines what steps need to be made to challenge for more wins and the championship.

"I don't know. The car is not even back yet so we'll have to look into it. It wasn't planned but I don't know what happened,” he added.

"It needs to be both (a good race car and qualifying car). Last year we had a decent race car and qualifying was ok. Overall I think we need to step up and we are working on that.

"The car is an improvement but it has to be if you want to fight for the championship. We'll focus on ourselves and then we'll find out in Melbourne where we are.”