Shakedown run with RB15 put a smile on Verstappen's face

Red Bull Racing unleashed its RB15 today at Silverstone in the capable hands of Max Verstappen, and while it was but a shakedown run it still left the Dutchman smiling.

Red Bull exploited one of its two authorized filming days to check the systems on its first Honda-powered car.

In a short video posted on Twitter, Verstappen offered a positive assessment of his initial run on board the new car.

Launch Gallery: Red Bull Racing RB15 in action

"The day's done, the first few kilometres with the car," he said.

"After my first run I was smiling, very happy with how the car was behaving – plus the engine as well, very positive.

"It's a really nice group of people to work with as well."

Pre-season testing will kick off on Monday in Barcelona and offer a glimpse of F1's running order.

Whether Red Bull will remain among Grand Prix's trio of front-runners will likely depend on Honda's ability to deliver a performing and reliable engine.

"We are expecting a lot," said Verstappen. "We're all very positive, but it also needs to take a bit of time.

"It's not like from race one it can be perfect. For sure there will be moments where as a team we'll make mistakes or it's maybe not going as we want it to.

"What is very important is the team and Honda are pushing really hard to improve the development.

"At the moment I am of course very optimistic, but also realistic. Time will tell how we're going to perform."

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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.