First rounds for world champion Max Verstappen and teammate Liam Lawson in the new Red Bull RB21, already the day before the official Formula 1 test trips in Bahrain: In the course of a film day, coils of the Dutch and his new stable companion on Tuesday just below the allowed 200 kilometers on the Desert course.
Verstappen is satisfied after the maiden voyage: “It is great to be back on the route in Bahrain for this film day before we start the test drives. It just feels good to sit at the wheel again and the first time in to climb the RB21. “
However, the defending champion makes it clear: “I was able to do a few rounds, but today it was all about feeling comfortable in the car, seeing what fits and gathering first impressions. In the coming days we will get to know the car better. “
Above all, Verstappen has one main focus: “It is important to analyze the pace in the next few days and see if we have made progress.” The weak points of 2024 are aware and wanted to eradicate them with the new model.
But the watch ticks: “There is not much time left until the first race, so we want to collect as many kilometers as possible during the test drives and complete numerous runs to find out where we can still win time.” Otherwise, Verstappen wants to remain careful with concrete goals, “because we still don’t know how competitive we are”.
At least the motivation is full of the four -time world champion: “I look forward to driving again – especially in Spa and Zandvoort, my favorite routes on the calendar,” says Verstappen a bit ahead.
“My first impression is consistently positive”
Before his first race for the big Red Bull team, Stallmwanger Liam Lawson, who is happy after the premiere meters in the new RB21, is of course full of action: “My first impression is consistently positive-it is always something special for the first time in one New car to rise. “
Lawson is no longer a rookie, but so far he has always got into the car during the year and with little preparation: “For me it is a completely new experience to start a complete season in Formula 1. Therefore, the preparations and days like this are Film day particularly valuable, “says the New Zealand:” We get to know a completely new car at the same time, and the RB21 feels very good so far. “
In the coming days in Bahrain, Lawson now wants to “complete a complete preparation for the season with the team and learn continuously” so that he can be quick at the start and “where the team needs me”.
Red Bull wants the designer title
Unlike teammates Verstappen, Lawson expresses a very clear goal: “This season to recapture the constructor title – if we succeed, it means that I am making my contribution,” the 23 -year -old knows exactly why Red Bull instead of him the hapless Sergio Perez promoted into the car.
Team boss Christian Horner is also looking forward to the first results, but still jokes: “It is fantastic to get started here in Bahrain,” says the Brit, “even if you might think that we would still be in Silverstone. ” In Bahrain, strong winds don’t make life easier for the team on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Horner says: “This day was a good dress rehearsal for tomorrow.”