Red Bull’s Max Verstappen reckons the Spanish Grand Prix will be a “defining moment” in the 2018 Formula 1 season, as teams prepare to introduce upgrade packages.
While not as prominent as in previous years, the start of the European season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is regarded as a favourable location for teams to introduce a raft of updates.
Verstappen’s Red Bull team has displayed stronger pace compared to the corresponding rounds last season, with Daniel Ricciardo triumphant in China, though still lacks speed during qualifying.
The Dutchman believes the amount of upgraded parts, and the manner in which they are evaluated by teams, makes the upcoming round a critical moment of the season.
“Everybody has done a lot of laps in Barcelona but I’m looking forward to seeing how the cars progress this year,” said Verstappen, referring to the circuit being used as the exclusive pre-season testing venue.
“We have many updates coming, hopefully they will be positive and we can be even closer to the front, but of course everybody else will also bring new parts.
“It could be quite a defining moment for the season and I’m interested to see how everyone will perform.
“I believe our car is very fast, we still need a bit more top speed but hopefully that will come.”
Verstappen claimed victory on his Red Bull debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016 – his maiden triumph in the sport – though was eliminated in a Turn 1 clash last year.
Verstappen has yet to record a podium finish this season amid an array of incidents and holds a low-key eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, 52 points behind Lewis Hamilton.
