International press see Verstappen as the man to beat in 2021

It was the shortest winter test ever, with only three days for the teams and drivers to test their "new" car. Although no real conclusions can ever be drawn from the test days, the various international media have made an attempt. The feeling around Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing is very positive.

De Telegraaf - The Netherlands

There is already cautious positivity at De Telegraaf about the chances of the Dutchman, and his brand new teammate, and the constructors' championship is therefore the goal for the team from Austria for next season. "The new RB16B of Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez looks solid and less unreliable at first glance than at the start of last season. The clever people within the team have tried to implement the rule changes as well as possible.”

This Dutch newspaper also acknowledged the problems that Mercedes experienced during the three days of testing, but they do expect Mercedes to be on level terms for the first Grand Prix. "They did make up time on Saturday and Sunday, but they still struggled at times, especially Hamilton. He spun at the start of a fast lap. So they didn't set a fast time."

La Gazzetta Dello Sport - Italy

The Italians' eyes are naturally on the new Ferrari, but Red Bull's speed has not gone unnoticed there either: "The third day of testing has confirmed that the blue car from Milton Keynes is favourite for the start of the season. It is clear that they are the team in the best shape though and contenders for a great start to the season in two weeks time."

Mercedes had some setup problems on the final day of testing and it was reflected in Lewis Hamilton's laps. "The setup problems caused a lot of headaches for Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon session. To see Hamilton spin two days in a row is actually very rare. When you add this together with the gearbox from the first day, it's not looking very good for the reigning world champion."

AD - Netherlands

The AD also sees the chances for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing as very positive next season: "Again fast, stable and constant. Sergio Pérez before lunch, Max Verstappen after lunch. Without really giving it away, Red Bull Racing repeated what the world had cautiously concluded after two days of testing. There's very little wrong with the winter form of the formation that has been the main challenger in the championship in recent years."

Corriere dello Sport - Italy

The Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport is yet again very positive about Red Bull: "The team has spread its wings," the newspaper said, referring to the well-known Red Bull slogan. "The Honda engine, the drivers, the capacity to develop the car, the past. Everything points to us having a new favourite in 2021. Of course, Verstappen's time was nothing special, it was still a lot slower than the one he drove himself at the same circuit in 2020, but still the times should not be ignored."

The Telegraph - England

Finally, The Telegraph commented: "Before testing, a successful year would have been winning a few more than the two races they managed in 2020 and being in contention for the majority of them. Their showing in Bahrain has raised hopes a great deal, especially with Mercedes looking so troubled."

The arrival of Perez at Red Bull Racing also helps. "They have a very potent driver combination that should make them more likely to have two drivers as a thorn in Mercedes’ side, rather than one – at the very least.”