F1 News: Max Verstappen Warns Of "Very Competitive" RB20 Amid Bahrain Pre-Season Testing

Max Verstappen's initial feedback on the RB20 highlights its potential competitiveness in the upcoming F1 season.

Max Verstappen has made a promising start at the Bahrain pre-season testing, taking the new RB20 out for a spin on the first day of pre-season testing. The reigning world champion has praised the competitiveness of Red Bull's latest machine, signalling an optimistic outlook for the upcoming 2024 season.

Key Takeaways:

• Verstappen is back on track with the RB20, expressing satisfaction with its performance.
• Despite challenging weather conditions at Silverstone, the RB20 has shown promising potential.
• Verstappen aims to build on the previous year's successes, highlighting the RB20's competitiveness.

After a long off-season since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that ended the Milton Keynes squad's record breaking 2023 campaign, Max Verstappen has returned to action, eager to test the capabilities of Red Bull's new RB20 contender. The Dutchman's enthusiasm for the forthcoming season was palpable as he shared his initial impressions of the car and his pre-season preparations.

"The wait between now and Abu Dhabi has been quite long, so it is good to be back on track," Verstappen remarked.

His dedication during the off-season, focusing on time at home with his family and preparation, has clearly paid off, with the RB20 making a solid first impression in Bahrain with its all-new sidepod design.

"It was great to see the car out in full swing at Silverstone and you can see that the look of the car is quite different this year. Despite the rain, the RB20 felt good to drive, which was the most important objective," he said.

"It is of course going to be difficult to replicate the year that we had in 2023, but each year we always try to build on the knowledge we have acquired and learn," Verstappen reveals.

His belief in the RB20's competitiveness is clear, and with the pre-season testing offering a glimpse into the car's potential, both Verstappen and the Red Bull team are poised for another formidable campaign.