The 2024 season will soon be underway with the first race just under a week away. Pre-season testing has concluded and provided the fans with a rough idea of what to expect down the season. Max Verstappen and Red Bull showcased great pace and development. Additionally, according to reports, Verstappen wasn’t even tapping into the full potential of the RB20 and running a low hybrid engine mode for the testing session.

Max Verstappen recently commented on the RB20’s pace and how it was a fast car. The Dutchman commented that time will tell about how fast the challenger is and showcased a smug smile. Additionally, Verstappen mentioned that the car was quick but how quick it was would be showcased when the challenger raced alongside the rival teams on the grid.

And now we have to wait and see if it is a fast car too. I think it’s a quick car but how quick it is compared to the others we don’t know.Verstappen told Viaplay.

Apart from this, Verstappen hinted towards the qualifying session of the season-opener in Bahrain. The Dutchman confidently highlighted his chances of clearing the initial two qualifying sessions. The reigning world champion rubbed salt over rivals’ wounds, especially Lewis Hamilton who would conclude his final year at Mercedes. Hamilton had already admitted that the RB20 would be the best car at the first race. Subsequently, Verstappen joked about hopefully making it to the Q3 in Bahrain.

We’ll see that next week in Q3, hopefully. IF we make it to Q3…..

max joking about not making q3 via viaplay 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/WwpFWGpTfi

— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) February 25, 2024Discover: Son of $600 million ex-F1 champion not on the list of any team for a 2025 comebackMax Verstappen claims Red Bull pushed the limits while designing the RB20

The Dutchman was all praises for his new machinery developed by the Aero-genius Adrian Newey. Verstappen mentioned that the looks of the car didn’t matter as long as it produced great results. Additionally, the fact that Red Bull decided to not be conservative and change the concept of the already-dominant RB19 was a great move by the team according to the reigning world champion.

Max Verstappen driving the RB-20 in pre-season testing (Via IMAGO)

Apart from this, Verstappen mentioned that he fully trusted the team over the development of the challenger down the season. Additionally, the 26-year-old claimed that the team’s confidence in the chassis was enough to gain his trust in the team’s winning chances in the 2024 season of Formula 1.

Hence, the season might be a repeat of the previous season where Max Verstappen dominated throughout the season. Hence, the rival teams quickly prepare to face the dominant Red Bulls down the season and potentially provide them some competition. Regardless, the team would probably score great results and help the Dutchman win a fourth world championship under his name.