Max Verstappen believes there is still a question mark as to where each of the top three teams lie in the pecking order after setting the second-fastest time in FP2.
The Dutch driver posted a time just over a tenth of a second slower than pace-setter Lewis Hamilton as Red Bull go in search of first win in Melbourne since 2011.
Verstappen has continuously hailed the RB14 as a clear improvement over its predecessor during pre-season, but the 20-year-old remains coy on the team’s chances going into tomorrow’s qualifying session.
“For me this has been a positive start to the weekend so I am really happy about that,” said Verstappen.
“The car has behaved well on this track which is always pleasing after only running in Barcelona to date. Of course we have only done two practice sessions so it is still hard to see who is strongest and how we will finish come race day.
“It is a bit of a guess when you come to the first circuit of the season. It takes at least two or three grand prix to understand what is going on, it then also depends on everyone’s development rate throughout the year.”
Although Verstappen hailed Red Bull’s race runs as ‘positive’, the three-time grand prix winner feels Mercedes has an extra few tenths in hand – and hopes the predicted rainfall will give them a chance to fight the Silver Arrows.
“Race pace looks good, I think there is definitely some room for improvement and Mercedes look pretty strong, but I’m not concerned with how it looks at the moment,” he said.
“A little bit of rain over the rest of the weekend would help us out. Being wet means performance is less engine dependent and makes the power tricky to control. Our car is usually strong in the wet and I enjoy myself so fingers crossed we get some rain.”
