Max Verstappen dominated out Crimson Bull competing with Mercedes and Ferrari this weekend, saying their rivals are too far forward.
He completed the primary race of the brand new season in sixth place, 54 seconds behind winner George Russell, having pitted as soon as greater than the Mercedes driver. Verstappen certified twentieth after experiencing an issue in Q1 which triggered him to spin out.
Verstappen, who completed behind each Mercedes, Ferraris and Lando Norris’s McLaren in Melbourne, stated it’s “not possible to know” if they are going to be extra aggressive at this weekend’s race in Shanghai.
“Actually it’s such a jungle on the market for the time being I believe that it’s very exhausting to essentially know,” he stated. “I’d hope that it will get a bit nearer, not even greater than the hole that it was in Melbourne, however it’s clear that for the time being we can’t combat these automobiles.”
Verstappen’s new group mate Isack Hadjar certified third on the grid in Melbourne and made a robust begin earlier than struggling an issue along with his energy unit which led to his early retirement. However Verstappen doubts the RB22 was able to ending increased than fifth.
“For positive there’s plenty of potential, it’s simply going to rely on if we are able to extract that I suppose all year long,” he stated.
“The hole in fact was fairly large and likewise within the race I believe if I’d have began just a little bit up entrance I believe the perfect that I might have achieved was one spot increased. We didn’t have the tempo of the highest 4 automobiles. We additionally had plenty of degradation and graining.
“However we’ll see what occurs within the coming races, if we are able to shut that hole just a little bit.”
Advert | Grow to be a RaceFans supporter and
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a each day electronic mail with all our newest tales – and nothing else. No advertising, no adverts. Join right here:
2026 Chinese language Grand Prix
Browse all 2026 Chinese language Grand Prix articles
