F1 | Red Bull, Verstappen: “Mercedes will be very fast in Barcelona”

Important test bed for Red Bull in Barcelona. In the Spanish Grand Prix which will take place next weekend there will be the fourth act of the confrontation between Hamilton and Verstappen. Mercedes has been doing what it wants on the Catalan track since the hybrid era entered Formula 1. Only in 2016, when the Englishman and Rosberg crashed out on the first lap, was this dominance interrupted by the young Dutchman himself. , currently fighting for the world championship with the seven-time world champion. Red Bull must respond after Lewis' victory in Portimao, on a track which, however, could be unfavorable to them.

“Barcelona will always have a special place in my memories – Verstappen said. The first victory in Formula 1 is quite emotional, it was a shock for everyone since it was the debut with Red Bull. I don't often get emotional, but that day I was almost on the verge of tears, as was my father. It wasn't easy, you have to work to get to those levels. Certainly my dad helped me, preparing me very well, but there are never certainties, you never know whether you will get to Formula 1 or not. It was an incredible day, no one expected it, so I will never forget it. I thank everyone who worked with me to achieve this goal."

“Coming back to the present day, I think Barcelona could be a good track for us, but I expect a very fast Mercedes, so it will depend on who can find the best set-up. We know that Barcelona has quite normal grip levels compared to Portimao, so we can see the real pace of the cars. I've already driven here this year in GP cars with my dad btw. We are in the development race with Mercedes, we need to make sure we stay at this level for the rest of the season and continue to improve every weekend. There are many things to learn from a race weekend, nothing is perfect, we are looking at every aspect to stay in the fight."