Verstappen: Red Bull RB16 'feels more connected' than predecessor

  • Published on 22 Feb 2020 11:46
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Max Verstappen says the Red Bull RB16 'feels more connected' compared to the team's 2019 car following the opening week of pre-season testing.

The energy drink squad set an impressive 471 laps during the three days of running, as it concentrated on its own programme rather than setting eye-opening lap times.

The team is entering the 2020 season with the hope of challenging for the world championship - something that it hasn't done since 2013.

"I think just overall it feels more connected," Verstappen said of his new car. "That was already the objective so there’s no surprise there.

"At the end of the [2019] season we were working towards that. Last year at testing we had some ideas for this year, so what we targeted already from the winter onwards. As soon as I jumped into the car it was like that.

"It can always be better, so in every area, you look for things to improve. But that’s the whole year that you are like that.

"But for this week, it was all about doing a lot of laps. It’s not about nailing the set up, because then you keep changing the car every single run. Sometimes it’s better to just not touch it."

Verstappen pleased with Honda progress

Verstappen also expressed his confidence in Honda, who is entering its second year in partnership with Red Bull.

Last year, Verstappen won three grands prix and took a further six podiums during the season, finishing third in the drivers' championship.

"They’re pushing flat out and of course you always want improvements," Verstappen said "Improvements have been made to last year as well.

"What I like is what they show you, what they project what is coming, is always happening. So I’m confident that it’s going to be the same this year again. Everything is heading in the right direction. But of course, the others are pushing flat out so we will have to work harder."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • 471 laps over 3 days is beastly. For reference: a full Spanish GP has about 66 laps to it's name. So over 3 days, they've completed about 7 such GPs without any technical issues. And the car looks sharp to boot. I think Merc' have the upper hand, but this looks more convincing than the Ferrari.

    • + 0
    • Feb 22 2020 - 13:07

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 2,980
  • Podiums 111
  • Grand Prix 206
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (27)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar