F1 champion Verstappen laughs off claims Mercedes lacks pace

SAKHIR, Bahrain: Formula One champion Max Verstappen gave a sarcastic answer Friday when asked if rival Mercedes lacks pace heading into the season’s opening race in Bahrain on Sunday. Verstappen set the fastest time in preseason testing for Red Bull last week, with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell expressing doubts about the car’s speed. “I think they’ll be dead last, according to their comments,” a deadpan Verstappen said ahead of the first practice session later Friday.

“I think they have an awful car, and they’ve had that already since 2017 in preseason.” Speaking more seriously, Verstappen said: “No, we’ll find out, but for sure they’ll be competitive.” It’s hard to believe Mercedes will struggle, considering the F1 powerhouse has won eight straight constructors’ titles. Verstappen’s win last season ended a run of seven straight drivers’ titles for Mercedes, and also thwarted Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth title. A dramatic season ended in huge controversy when Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi, following a one-lap restart.

Verstappen dismissed talk that he has a point to prove because of how the season ended. “No. I proved that with the most wins and most poles and most laps led.

People forget that. They only look at Abu Dhabi, apparently,” he said. “If you look at last season, we could have had more wins and more poles, even.