Max back in Bahrain for 2021 season opener: 'I'm confident'

Published on 25 March 2021 by Stefan Meens

After the pre-season test two weeks ago, Max Verstappen is back at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Dutchman will once again steer the RB16b, this time to contest the opening round of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship.

Red Bull Racing enjoyed a good run up to the new season with encouraging lap times and excellent reliability. Nevertheless, realistic predictions are difficult to make. “We’ll see what happens”, said Max who dismissed the importance of being labelled the favourite. “It’s just because it doesn't matter. What matters is that you perform on track when it counts and when you can score the points. I think you just have to focus on your job and just stay calm, stay focused, because it just distracts you, and like I said, it's just important to focus on the job.”

Despite his realistic approach, Max is positive about his new Red Bull racer, “The car worked well at the test, which is what you want when you’re time limited. It’s difficult to pinpoint where the improvement comes from but the car is a lot more predictable, even with changing wind and temperatures at the test. It all felt good so I’m confident. But I’m always confident in my own ability, even if I was at the back of the grid.”

Apart from a new car, Max also has a new teammate in Sergio Perez. So far, Max has enjoyed the collaboration with his new team mate. “It’s going well and I’ve known Sergio for years. Now that we’re working together, I’m gaining a lot of insight in his way of working and his experience. I hope that as a team we can score a good haul of points and put the pressure on Mercedes.”

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