Max Verstappen says he is impressed by 'quick' Ferrari

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has hinted that Ferrari could be the team to beat at the Bahrain Grand Prix next week in terms of qualifying, with him saying he hopes that his team can be close to the Scuderia in Q3.

The Prancing Horse is being tipped by many to make a return to the front of the grid and several over the course of Barcelona testing and the start of Bahrain testing have commented that they are looking strong.

Scuderia team boss Mattia Binotto has said that remain outsiders for the championship in a bid to cool expectations but even he cannot deny that the Ferrari has immediately looked solid and consistent during testing so far.

Certainly, that is something that has not been lost on Verstappen who, speaking to the press on Thursday lunchtime and quoted by Autosport, said that the Ferrari is looking quick on short and long runs and, tellingly, suggested that he hopes he is close to their pace come Q3 next Saturday for qualifying in Sakhir:

“They look strong, very solid. They’re quick, you can clearly see that in the long run and the short run. I hope we can match them or be close to them in Q3.”

Some early mind games to stick the pressure on Ferrari? Max has never seemed like that sort of person and, in fairness, it’s in keeping with what many are thinking right now.

Ferrari are looking strong, and Scuderia fans will hope that they deliver.