Verstappen lays his cards on the table: "It's time to see who has what"

Building a title fight

The fight to win the world title starts at the first Grand Prix in Bahrain and Verstappen is ready for it. "Now I have to deliver and the team has to deliver so we can try to build a title fight. We all know our roles and it's good to see that Honda and ExxonMobil have worked hard over the winter to make sure we have the best possible package in the RB16B for the season," the Dutchman said in the Red Bull preview.

Good feeling about the car

During the winter tests, drivers and teams had shorter than ever to get to know the car, but that doesn't matter much to the Dutchman. "I didn't mind having only one and half days in the car and for me the most important thing was the mileage and the fact that the set-up changes we made during the test worked."

What was clear, at least, was that Verstappen was happy with the RB16B. "I have a good feeling about the car. From my side, the car was stable enough to feel comfortable. There are always things to do better, but we are always improving and that is what the engineers will do."

The cards will go on the table

During the winter tests, many teams keep their cards to the chest. Something that Mercedes in particular is always very good at. In Bahrain next weekend, no one can hide anymore. "Personally, I can't wait until we all push in Q3, that's when you see everyone at full power with little fuel and that's the moment to see who has developed in terms of performance."

"Then in the race we will see who can keep that performance over a race distance. Let's hope we can be good in both," continued the Dutchman who is very much looking forward to the race at the Bahrain International Circuit. "I love the circuit in Bahrain and it will be exciting to see our performance. It's time to see who has what."