Max Verstappen Reflects on Day 1 of Pre-Season Testing: ‘Only Good Surprises’ for Red Bull

Max Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull’s RB21 after a promising first day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The three-time Formula 1 World Champion described the car as feeling “good” with “only good surprises,” signaling a strong start for the reigning Drivers’ Champion and his team.

Verstappen’s Strong Start in Bahrain Testing

Verstappen took over driving duties from new teammate Liam Lawson in the afternoon session, completing more than a full race distance. His impressive performance placed him third-fastest overall, behind Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

After a somewhat turbulent 2024 campaign where Red Bull faced balance issues with the RB20, the team worked hard during the off-season to refine their aerodynamic package and optimize their power unit performance. Early signs suggest those efforts are paying off.

“From the driving I did today, everything felt good. Only good surprises, which is always a great way to start,” Verstappen stated. “We don’t know the full pace yet, but everything is working well, and the car is responding the way I want it to.”

Red Bull’s Approach to Pre-Season Testing

Rather than focusing on outright lap times, Verstappen emphasized that Red Bull’s priority during the testing period is gathering crucial data and refining their setup.

“It’s not about hitting the perfect lap at this stage; it’s about working through our testing program and determining what areas we need to improve,” Verstappen explained. “We are constantly learning, trying different things, and fine-tuning the balance to ensure the car is in the best possible shape for the season ahead.”

Given Red Bull’s dominance in recent years, fans and analysts are eager to see whether the RB21 can maintain its competitive edge over McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Verstappen’s early feedback suggests that the team has made significant strides toward correcting last year’s handling concerns.

Liam Lawson’s First Official Run in the RB21

Young Red Bull driver Liam Lawson, who is stepping in as Verstappen’s new teammate, also had a productive day in Bahrain. The New Zealand-born driver ended his session eighth-fastest, just under a second behind Verstappen, despite experiencing an early spin during the morning session.

Despite the minor setback, Lawson completed a healthy number of laps, gaining valuable experience in the new Red Bull challenger.

“I had so much fun out there today. It was great to finally drive the new car properly and put in some laps,” Lawson said. “The car feels okay, but of course, it’s still early days, and there’s a lot to learn. We are focusing on fine-tuning the setup and gathering data rather than outright speed at this stage.”

The 22-year-old driver admitted that moving into a full-time race seat with Red Bull is an adjustment but expressed excitement about the opportunity.

“For me, there’s a lot more to come because I need to adapt to the team and car. Testing is crucial, not just for me but for the team as well, as we optimize these days ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.”

Red Bull’s 2025 Season Objectives: Reclaiming the Constructors’ Crown

Last year, McLaren shocked the paddock by securing the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, ending Red Bull’s dominance in the team standings. While Verstappen still managed to clinch his third Drivers’ Title, the team is now determined to reclaim its status as the undisputed leader in both categories.

The arrival of Liam Lawson adds an interesting dynamic to the team. As a promising young driver, he will need to quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment of competing for race wins. Meanwhile, Verstappen will be aiming for a fourth consecutive title while mentoring his new teammate.

Red Bull’s strategy for 2025 revolves around improving reliability, refining their aerodynamic efficiency, and maximizing tire performance. The RB21 appears to be more stable and balanced compared to its predecessor, addressing some of the issues that plagued them last season.

Challenges Ahead for Red Bull

Despite the promising start in Bahrain, Red Bull is not without challenges. Their rivals, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, have all made significant improvements, and the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever.

• McLaren has continued their strong form from 2024, with Lando Norris topping the timesheets on Day 1 of testing.

• Mercedes appears to be making a comeback, with George Russell setting the second-fastest time.

• Ferrari, now featuring Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc, is expected to be a serious contender this year.

While Verstappen and Lawson are optimistic about their chances, the true pecking order will only become clear once the first few races unfold.

What’s Next for Red Bull?

With two more days of testing remaining, Red Bull will continue refining their car setup, focusing on long-run pace, tire management, and aerodynamic performance. Verstappen is expected to log more miles, while Lawson will aim to further integrate himself within the team and adjust to the demands of competing at the highest level.

Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how the RB21 develops over the coming sessions and whether it can reclaim the dominance that Red Bull enjoyed in previous seasons.

Conclusion: A Positive Start, But More Work to Do

The first day of testing provided encouraging signs for Red Bull and Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman describing the RB21 as a well-balanced and responsive machine. Liam Lawson also made a strong impression in his first official run, gaining valuable experience.

However, with McLaren and Mercedes showing strong early pace, Red Bull must remain focused on fine-tuning their setup and ensuring their car can perform under race conditions.

While it’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions, the energy within the Red Bull camp is positive, and the team looks poised to make a strong title push in 2025. The question remains: Can Verstappen and Lawson bring Red Bull back to the top?

Fans won’t have to wait long to find out, as the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off in Melbourne. Until then, all eyes will remain on Bahrain, where teams will continue their final preparations for what promises to be another thrilling season of Formula 1 racing.