Red Bull completed 139 laps on the first day of testing. Mercedes, which had technical problems, drove only 48 laps.
“We had a very positive day,” said Verstappen. “We could ride a lot of bikes, even though the conditions on the track were quite demanding. It was hot, it was blowing a lot and of course we know that the degradation is high here, so it’s not easy to go a few laps in a row. “
“It simply came to our notice then. We don’t have to talk about pace or anything else. In short, we have fulfilled our program. “
“I felt good in the car. I felt good about driving. I think it’s always very positive when you start testing this way. If you can complete such a day, you are very satisfied. “
Asked if it would be possible to track Red Bull’s performance during testing, Verstappen said: “Maybe a little better. But I always want to wait until the third part of the qualification for the first race weekend. Then we will know that we see the real speed of all the cars. “
After lunch, a dust storm arrived on the circuit. But Verstappen didn’t mind.
“It simply came to our notice then. However, I must say that I replaced the visor on the helmet and the cameras probably had a little heavier. When I’m sitting in the car, it’s okay. “
Verstappen will return behind the wheel of the RB16B on Sunday. Tomorrow the car will belong to Pérez.
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