Max Verstappen hopes the Red Bull Racing team will maintain its lead when the Formula 1 GP starts in Imola. Other teams will introduce large update packages during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, hoping to challenge the Austrian team, but Verstappen knows that Red Bull is also not standing still. Currently, the Dutchman concludes that the reigning constructor's champion has a good lead, especially in terms of race pace.
There is currently no match for the Red Bull team. Verstappen notices that the differences on Saturdays can sometimes be negligible, but that the Austrian team dominates on Sundays. "We have a decent advantage, especially during the race," the Red Bull driver is quoted by RaceFans. "On some circuits, some cars will certainly be close to or ahead of us, as you could see in Baku. But I think the advantage in race pace is quite big at the moment."
Looking ahead to the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, it is expected that some teams will take a big leap forward. For example, the Mercedes team will bring its long-awaited update package. Verstappen softens the expectations around these upgrades and around a possible renewed tension in the title race. "It's not like the other teams are bringing new parts and we are standing still. So hopefully, we can just continue with what we are doing now."
Verstappen was able to make good use of the RB19's great race pace in Miami. "We had a good pace and I was able to take good care of my tires. Halfway through that stint, I wasn't quite sure if I would make it." Once Sergio Pérez had made his pit stop, the reigning world champion was told he could push on his hard tires. "I was able to extend the lead once again, which really improved my race because when we made a pit stop, I had the newer tires until the end," said Verstappen.