"Realistic" Verstappen cautious over Spanish GP chances

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has warned his team to "stay realistic" about its chances at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen claimed his first win of the season at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, taking advantage of blistering heat to overhaul both Mercedes who suffered tyre wear issues.

In taking victory, the Dutchman became the first non-Mercedes driver to take the chequered flag in 2020, and with conditions predicted to be very similar this weekend, Red Bull have been touted to pull off a repeat performance.

"It is always enjoyable to win the race," said Verstappen. "Especially like that when you beat them on pure pace, not by luck.

"We also have to stay realistic. When you go on the harder compounds again, normally they should have less issues with their tyres. They are still the dominant team because in qualifying we are a second behind. There is still quite a bit of work to do."

"It’s nice and warm, that’s good, but we run the harder compounds again, so a bit tricky to say. I know this track can be quite hard on tyres, but we just have to wait and see.”

Formula 1 is expected to introduce a ban on special engine modes for qualifying - or 'party modes' - prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, which will almost certainly diminish Mercedes' advantage over a single lap.

Verstappen, however, remained reserved over whether the proposed change would allow Red Bull to challenge for pole positions.

He commented: "Starting ahead will be a big thing.

"I think it will bring things closer, that's for sure. Their quali mode, their party mode is quite a bit stronger but let's see if it is going to happen or not."

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