Verstappen patient while Red Bull plays catch-up

40

Max Verstappen was frustrated with his Red Bull's relative lack of speed in the opening race of the 2017 season, but has vowed to be patient.

At the conclusion of pre-season testing, there were suggestions that Red Bull was perhaps keeping its true speed under wraps but Sunday's performance clearly demonstrated that its gap to Ferrari and Mercedes is real.

While an upgrade package to the RB13 is on its way for China, Max Verstappen patiently waits, aware that catching up with the duo ahead will require time and hard work.

"The most positive thing about the weekend? The weather," Verstappen joked when speaking to Holland's The Telegraph.

"If it's frustrating to have to wait so long? That's how it is. I can't change anything about it. The gap is big, so we'll have to work hard.

"But I'm not really frustrated because already during the winter I noticed that the car is not quite perfect.

Catching Mercedes and Ferrari still possible - Horner

On the bright side, Verstappen insisted on the exhilarating thrill derived from driving the new-spec cars. He did however join the chorus of voices claiming that overtaking has indeed become very difficult.

"The cars have become more fun to drive," he said.

"But it (Melbourne) wasn't very exciting. I could have made two extra pitstops without endangering my position."

GALLERY: all the pics from Sunday's action

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.