Picture Credit: Sergio Perez/Twitter
Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were seen on tracks for the first time in 2021. They drove the new RB16B at Silverstone testing on Wednesday. Although the conditions were not ideal for driving, Team Principal Christian Horner was certainly pleased with the racers’ first outing in Red Bull’s new 2021 challenger.
Verstappen reflects on new RB16B
Max Verstappen, who finished P3 last season, will definitely be hoping to challenge the Mercedes in 2021. Commenting on RB16B, Max said, “Of course, there are differences (from RB15). I mean, already the big change is of course the floor, they cut it a lot on the rear. So, the car is always going to behave a bit differently.”
However, the 23-year-old was delighted to be back on track. He was quite confident of team’s chances in the new car this season.
Driving a new car is always special: Perez
Red Bull’s new driver Sergio Perez had quite an emotional day as he was filmed for the first time, driving for his new team. Reflecting on the experience, the Mexican said, “Driving a new car is always special for the driver and also for the team. They have been working so hard through the winter, so to finally take the car on track, it’s quite an emotional day.”
Perez said that he was pretty excited about driving the new car. He added that the car certainly has a lot of potential.
Christian Horner hopeful of a better season in 2021
Team Principal Christian Horner looked quite hopeful with the first glimpse of the new car. As Verstappen and Perez drove the car for the first time, Horner watched them quite closely. He said, “It’s always great to see a new car hit the track for the first time and to see the drivers get their first laps in. Today is mainly just about making sure all the basics are functioning well before it all gets packed up and sent out to Bahrain and in that regard, today was a success.”
Red Bull finished second in Constructors’ Championship in 2020, way behind Mercedes. With a new car and a dangerous-looking driver line-up, they would certainly be hoping for a better show in 2021. The new campaign begins with pre-season testing in Bahrain from 12-14 March. The first race (Bahrain Grand Prix) is scheduled to take place on March 28.