The 2023 FIA Formula 1 season is edging ever closer and the teams hit the track on Thursday on the first day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The drivers got behind the wheel of their new cars for the first time, with teams gathering crucial data ahead of the season opener in less than two weeks.
Max Verstappen enters his ninth Formula 1 season after becoming a full-time driver with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2015. He has come a long way since then, collecting two world championships and thirty-five wins, and he will be hoping to add a third title in 2023.
Verstappen topped the time charts on the first day of testing, and although the times can’t be taken too seriously at this point, it could be crucial in helping the team get off to a good start.
“We had a good day today, we completed a lot of laps which is what we wanted – almost three Grand Prix’s worth. It was also a smooth day; we barely had any issues and we could really focus on the car and try a few things. We had a lot of good running throughout the day when it was hot and sunny and also in the evening which is more representative.
Despite being on top last season, it is still crucial that Red Bull developed their car and improved on the strong foundations they have going into the season.
It’s nice to see how the car has evolved from last year. The behaviour is a bit different because of the tyres but otherwise, we are happy. It’s difficult to tell how the car will perform this season through one day of testing, the car is running well and that’s the most important thing. I’ll be running again tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll be trying out different compounds and seeing what else we can learn before the race next week.”
Overall, the two-time World Champion seems pleased with the team’s progress and will hope he can continue this form into the first weekend of the season.
