MELBOURNE, Australia -- Max Verstappen is refusing to make predictions ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend, but is concerned Melbourne's straights may prove to be Red Bull's weakness.
Defending champions Mercedes are expected to start the season as the team to beat in Melbourne, but many observers are convinced Red Bull is also in the running for victory. GPS data from pre-season testing showed the new RB14 was the fastest car in medium speed corners during testing and was only losing performance to its rivals on the straights.
What's more, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton suspects Red Bull did not run its Renault engine in its highest setting during testing and has tipped the team to perform well this weekend.