F1 | Verstappen forgets Bahrain: “We will be competitive at Imola”

Despite the defeat in Bahrain, Max Verstappen showed up at Imola with the knowledge that he could compete on equal terms with Mercedes. Interviewed by journalists during the opening press conference of the next Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the Dutchman highlighted the good things done by the team in the first seasonal outing in Sakhir, specifying how the characteristics of the next circuits, Imola included, they could help the team gain extremely important points for the title fight.

“Overall it was a positive weekend in Sakhir, although we are aware that the opportunity was wasted,” said the Dutchman from Red Bull. “It's sad not to have won, but now we're focusing on the next races, where I'm sure we'll have the chance to do even better. We need to continue working to better develop the technical package and make it faster. We are aware and excited."

On the calm shown in Bahrain he instead stated: “I have always been calm and in any case it would not have made sense to do otherwise. At the finish I was disappointed, clearly, but we must be aware of the fact that second is a good result. These are many points that can come in handy. We must approach the next races aware that a championship is made up of many events."

Finally, conclusion on Imola: “I would have added a second DRS zone after the exit of the chicane. It's difficult to exit the last corner close to the car in front and I think that extending the area won't help us at all. Otherwise it's nice to drive on this track. Last year we were competitive."