Verstappen provides first indication of F1 success with new regulations

Max Verstappen has given the first hint that F1's new regulations will allow closer racing after his first day of running at the Barcelona pre-season test.

The reigning world champion completed 147 laps during day one and finished ninth fastest, hardly pushing the new RB18 on its maiden official outing.

All 10 teams are aiming to become accustomed to the changes in aerodynamic philosophy that have brought a new-look formula to the grid this season with the new regulations aimed at increasing overtaking opportunities.

Whilst full knowledge of whether these changes have worked will come during the season when wheels are turned in anger, Verstappen was able to get a taste of sitting in behind a rival's car and has relayed positive feedback.

"The car is quite enjoyable to drive, it is just a bit different," said the Dutchman.

"We are still in the learning phase. The only shame is that the weight is always going up and up, the cars become a little less agile in the low-speed corners. The balance through the high-speed corners is quite nice.

"Following the cars, it is a little bit easier to stay behind, at least you don't have a weird loss of downforce and suddenly have a lot of understeer or massive oversteer.

"I don't expect it to be fully gone and you can follow the rear diffuser because of the speed you are doing in an F1 car.

"But the cars are fine. Just with the tyres, they are quite a bit bigger so visibility is different, which on a track like this is less of a problem. When you go to street circuits, it is going to be a little more challenging."

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