Red Bull will know true pace after China - Verstappen

Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull won't know for sure where it sits in the F1 2019 pecking order until after the Chinese Grand Prix.

Verstappen got Red Bull and Honda's new partnership off to a great start by finishing the Australian Grand Prix an impressive third ahead of both Ferrari's after the Italian team looked to be the class of the field during testing.

Although the team has impressed even themselves with the level of performance it showed in Melbourne, the Dutch driver is keeping a level head until they work out how quick they really are.

“Starting the season with a podium in Australia is really positive but Melbourne is not a typical circuit, so we can’t get carried away, and I don’t think we will really know where we stand until after China,” he said in the Red Bull Bahrain Grand Prix preview.

Verstappen also added that he was optimistic heading into the race in Sakhir.

“I enjoy the track and the transition from day to night is a challenge in terms of car balance, so that always makes it an interesting weekend.

“You never really know where you stand when you start qualifying because you haven’t had the optimal preparation as the track conditions aren't the same during practice. The middle sector, which is quite technical, is the best part of the Bahrain circuit and I hope it’s good for racing again this year.”