Max Verstappen has conceded that his new Red Bull RB21 will now no longer be capable of combat for victory withinside the F1 season-starting Australian Grand Prix.
Verstappen has received the remaining season-openers, each in Bahrain, and took pole remaining day trip in Melbourne earlier than retiring with a brake failure, however heads Down Under after a much less than promising pre-season take a look at for Red Bull.
The RB21 seems off the pace, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all in advance, or even the resurgent Williams nipping on the heels of the Milton Keynes-primarily based totally team. Looking in advance to the primary race as he starts offevolved his fourth identify defence, Verstappen feels he isn’t always in rivalry for victory.
“[There is work to do],” Verstappen advised a Viaplay occasion attended with the aid of using RacingNews365.
“I assume McLaren is the favorite in case you examine the lap times, and for us now no longer the whole lot went absolutely smoothly.
“On the alternative hand, I assume we do have a few thoughts on a way to enhance the car, I’ve additionally spent quite a few time withinside the simulator, for example, the day gone by with the team.
“I do not assume we are able to compete for victory in Melbourne, however optimistically we can be capable of make improvements.
