Verstappen expecting 'painful' returns from Red Bull's Renault engine

Max Verstappen expects Red Bull's straight-line pace to remain "painful" despite Renault's much-reported improvements in the off-season and suggestions from rivals Mercedes and Ferrari that the Dutchman and Daniel Ricciardo have the strongest car coming into the Australian Grand Prix.

Reports have suggested that Renault's 2018 power unit may be capable of hitting 950 bhp, although Cyril Abiteboul has insisted the French manufacturer will not run at full capacity in the early stages of the campaign to boost reliability.

As Red Bull improved through 2017, Verstappen ended the campaign in as impressive form as anyone, taking dominant wins in Malaysia and Mexico.

The Dutchman believes Red Bull have continued that upward curve into 2018, having enjoyed a strong fortnight of testing in Barcelona, but still expects to be hampered by a deficit in outright pace.

"The car, compared to last year, definitely made some good improvements, but for sure everybody improved," Verstappen said.

"From my personal feeling we have quite a strong car. But we have to wait and see how good our overall package is with the straights here.

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"It is definitely going to be a bit painful there. For sure I am optimistic but also realistic, so we will just have to wait and see."

Red Bull's impressive development last year came on the back of a sluggish start to the season, which saw the team uncharacteristically playing catch up in terms of aerodynamics.

The RB14 appears to be a different beast, but Verstappen says the team must continue to eke out every advantage through the season.

"We have to be on top of that as well compared to Mercedes and Ferrari," he said.

"In the past it has always been a strong point for Red Bull, the development during the season, but we have to wait and see how it is going to be this year again.

"It is a different year again. But I am confident in the team that they can build a great car and also maintain that. But the overall package needs to be right."