Max Verstappen was upbeat following his first run in the Red Bull RB12 Formula 1 car during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday, but says it will take time for him to get totally comfortable with it following his swift promotion.
Red Bull announced last week that Verstappen would be joining the team from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards from junior team Toro Rosso, with Daniil Kvyat moving in the opposite direction.
Verstappen put in an impressive first display behind the wheel of Red Bull’s car on Friday in Barcelona, finishing within two-tenths of a second of new teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
“I’m happy, for a first day you can’t complain! We got through a lot of work and did a lot of laps and I think that’s the most important thing for me at the moment,” Verstappen said.
“I’m still getting used to the car, I don’t feel its full limit yet. It’s a new car, but I wasn’t nervous this morning, I just wanted to experience the car, I was eager to just go out and drive.
“I’m still learning a lot about the car; the seat position, the steering wheel position, all the switches and the procedures are all completely different to the Toro Rosso, but we are working on it and it’s getting better and better.
“Red Bull Racing is a good team and I enjoy working with them. If we have a good feeling tomorrow I will do my best and from there on we will see what happens.
“For sure you need a few weekends to be fully comfortable.”