F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen unfazed by Red Bull gap with leaders

Max Verstappen believes the potential of the Red Bull-Renault package will be unlocked in Melbourne despite a few gremlins which crept in during the last week of pre-season testing.

The 19-year-old racked up 70 laps on Friday's final day when a technical issue halted his progress, leaving him second on the timesheet, 0.8 second behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

A chronic ERS issue has affected Renault's new power unit but the Dutchman is confident the problem will be resolved by the time the team lands in Australia.

"I am not too worried," Verstappen said.

"That is what we use testing for, to test all the bits and I am quite confident at Renault. They can solve the issues for Melbourne. It is nothing major what is happening, which is good.

Gallery: all the pictures from the final day of pre-season testing

"In testing you never show everything you can do, it is all about trying to improve the car and get you in good shape for Melbourne. It is not about qualifying lap times.

"The most important thing for us was to check the balance and we definitely improved but it can be better.

"It was a positive day, the performance is not too bad. We want to improve and we have to improve but it is OK for the moment."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.