Verstappen decides against 'pre-season' test

Max Verstappen does not intend to test a Formula 1 car before the season opener on July 5.

While Mercedes has completed a two-day test using 2018-spec machinery at Silverstone, something Renault plan to repeat in Austria next week, Verstappen has no desire to follow suit, insisting the benefits of such a test are minimal.

"You have an old car, the tyres are not the same," Verstappen told Sky Germany.

"I decided not to do it. I think three or four laps in Spielberg [at the season opener] and we are back. We still have a lot of time, to drive there. "

"Of course, we have to wait and see because there have been no races in the last few months. There will continue to be updates to the cars. Nevertheless, I expect Mercedes to be very strong and hope that we will be close."

Verstappen is the youngest grand prix winner of all time and with a strong Red Bull car still has a chance to become the youngest ever world champion, although this year is his last opportunity to take the record from Sebastian Vettel.

He added: "In the end, it will be a nice moment if it happens.

"Of course, I want to win every year, that has not worked so far. Last year I learned a lot, we worked even better together at the tests in Barcelona. We are definitely extremely motivated."

Before you go...

F1 2020: Lewis Hamilton driver rating revealed

Imola ready for Formula 1 return

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

George Russell reacts to devastating Bahrain Grand Prix retirement: 'I'm pretty used to this'

• 52 minutes ago

Fernando Alonso reveals 'wild' Aston Martin Bahrain GP and being faster than Lewis Hamilton

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton claims Ferrari error cost him Bahrain Grand Prix victory chance

• 2 hours ago

Christian Horner congratulates Max Verstappen and Red Bull after his RBPT project achieves first F1 win

• 3 hours ago

FIA release statement after F1 cars’ ‘software error' sparks Bahrain Grand Prix chaos

• Today 18:54

F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 results: Final classification with all penalties applied from Sepang

• Today 17:55