Verstappen predicting 'completely different RB18' in Bahrain

Max Verstappen says Red Bull will head to Bahrain next week with a "completely different" car that will also lead to a very different test for the team.

Verstappen concluded F1's first leg of pre-season testing in Barcelona with the sixth fastest time overall, while teammate Sergio Perez was third.

But the Dutchman wasn't focused on performance runs at the Circuit de Catalunya where the team – which clocked in fifth overall in terms of lap count - prioritized its reliability, development and set-up work on its RB18.

Like its rivals, Red Bull underwent a bit of a stop-and-go final day in Spain due to multiple red flags that disrupted the session, but overall, Verstappen was happy with his time spent behind the wheel.

©RedBull

"Yes, it was alright," he told F1.com. "Of course, quite a few red flags so... we could not complete our whole programme.
"But everything was working well, the car felt good, it just continued from what I did on Day 1, [which was] the most important objective here for us.

"The car runs really well. In general, the weight is a bit up, but I really enjoy driving the car, it has a nice stable balance and I think they look cool as well – that’s always nice to jump into."

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko, who also underscored the RB18's weight, dismissed the pecking order at the end of the teams' three days of testing because of all the unknowns surrounding fuel loads and engine modes.

"I'm sure we had more fuel onboard compared to most of the others, [so] I think we are on par with Mercedes and just ahead of Ferrari," said the Austrian.

Read also: Marko admits 'weight is a problem' for Red Bull's RB18

Verstappen echoed Marko's comment saying that there wasn't much to read into the lap times.

"I don’t know, I don’t really pay attention to the lap times yet. We will look into that in Q3 in Bahrain," he said.

"What was positive is the car was running smooth, I was happy with the balance – but Bahrain is going to be completely different, so heading into race one, the car will be completely different as well.

"So for me, I just focussed on doing a lot of laps and try to really nail down every single aspect of the car."

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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.