Verstappen "first impression" of "different" RB18

Max Verstappen gained a "first impression" of the Red Bull RB18 in a behind closed doors pre-season shakedown with F1 racing to "very different" rules this year.

F1 will race to an all-new set of technical regulations this year with the sport focusing on generating downforce through the use of ground effect technology rather than numerous bargeboards and winglets.

Red Bull had kept Verstappen's championship-defending RB18 under wraps before Wednesday and the start of pre-season testing in Spain with the team using a show car at its official launch ceremony.

After the RB18 was finally revealed in all its glory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Verstappen said: “We got our first impression of the RB18 at our filming day last week and the car looks good.

"The rules are very different this year and so it is nice to get your first few laps in and get a feel for it.

"I don’t have any aims for the season yet, I just want to rock up to the track and try and do the best I can, like I do every single year. If the car is quick, I am sure we can do a very good job again.

"I am looking forward to another fun year together with the team and Checo, he is a great guy and we really push each other, which at the end of the day is good for the team.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Qualifying Today: Madring schedule, times and TV channel for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

• 6 minutes ago

Max Verstappen admits he could be replaced at Red Bull by Kimi Raikkonen's son

• Yesterday 22:30

Alonso says YES to one more year as Spanish fans go wild

• Yesterday 21:45

Max Verstappen warns Madring circuit 'probably a car killer'

• Yesterday 20:58

FIA president set for Fernando Alonso meeting after retirement scare: 'I'll try to make him change his mind'

• Yesterday 19:45

Lewis Hamilton blasted for 'dangerous' driving by F1 rival at Spanish Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:44