Max Verstappen says Red Bull ‘confident’ of gains with new car
Max Verstappen said Red Bulls were “confident” that they made the right changes to the car when they sought the title of fifth consecutive driver.
Verstappen’s fourth crown last year was established during the major period of the first five games Especially McLaren’s performance.
The Dutch drove an excellent season to defend his lead from Lando Norris, when the British McLaren was the faster car in the second half.
“The direction we chose to go at the time showed a lot of hope, but unfortunately it wasn’t working properly on track, so we had to change something.
“Now, we hope that’s the right direction. We believe it’s the right direction, but let’s see how much we can pull from it in the last season of this car.”
The new RB21 will be run for the first time in a brief “Shooting Day” test in Bahrain on Tuesday before starting official pre-season tests on Wednesday on the same track.
Red Bull has released some official photos of the cars, but they were taken in the studio and the cars are shot in low light, so any important aerodynamic details are covered.
“My motivation is there. Last year wasn’t straightforward, but we still won the championship. I’m happy to look forward to the goal and hopefully we can improve our car, which is a motivation in itself.”
If he becomes the champion again, he will be the second driver in F1 history to win five consecutive titles.
This is since 2005, Red Bull has not entered a season with design leader Adrian Newey. Design legend will join Aston Martin on March 3.
Verstappen said: “I don’t think we should think too much. It’s done. He doesn’t exist anymore. That’s it. This is what it was last year and I also believe in those people there moments, we have to do it together.”
“It’s a team effort, but I have a lot of respect for everything Adrian has done for the team, I have a good relationship with Adrian and I’m glad he’s started a new project.”
Vestapenben after Sergio Perez received a second disappointing season in December after his second straight disappointing season, with Sergio Perez receiving a payoff last December The season has a new teammate at New Zealander Liam Lawson.
Lawson made it clear that he knew his job was to support Verstappen as much as possible.
“The team’s goal is to win the builders (champions), and they obviously couldn’t do that last year, and that’s a clear goal to get into this year,” Lawson said.
“So, obviously, we are trying to make the best work the car does as fast as possible, and for me, if we are in a hard time winning the effort of the architect, then I am doing my job.
“It’s really what the team is about me, and their expectations of me obviously exceed my goal for Equation 1.”
