After testing it appears Red Bull will start the 2023 Formula 1 season where they left off, as both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez exhibited blistering pace in the RB19. Notably Perez set the quickest time of the entire test on the final day - and even though it was on the softest compound tyres - the Mexican looked more at home in the RB19 compared to its predecessor. Team Principal, Christian Horner, spoke about how the car is an evolution of the RB18 and team advisor Helmut Marko believes they have found a "solution" that enables this car to suit both drivers. "You have to put Perez's problems into perspective," said the Austrian to Sky Sports Germany . "Last season we had a car that Checo could handle very well at the beginning of the year, but as it was further developed, Verstappen became more and more satisfied with the car. "The difference is that Verstappen likes a strong front, one that turns really sharply. Perez on the other hand, is slightly different. He likes a less dramatic car. "However, this year we seem to have found a solution that will allow both drivers to use their own qualities," Marko said, without going into the specific solution.
Red Bull pleased with testing progress
Marko was pleased with the progress they made during the test, despite a small oil leak that cost them a few minutes of track time during the second day. However he was still cautious about where they stand against their competition, considering the fuel loads and track conditions. " We are very happy with the test days and how they went. There was only one problem and that was only a small problem," said Marko. "However, we don't know how the competition is doing and how much fuel they had on board during the fast runs. If they were heavier than us, then the times are relative. However, the test days have shown that we are reliable and fast. "What makes us especially optimistic were both long runs, both Verstappen's and Perez's. Those long runs were clearly at least as fast as our competitors' long runs."
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