© Vladimir Rys

Bulls Focussed For BahrainWe hear from Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez ahead of the 2022 season.

MaxFullyFocusedOnBahrainTest

Max is aware the world’s eyes will be on him in 2022, but the reigning World Champion isn’t concerned with that. In fact, he’s not even concerned with the season ahead, he’s only focused on making sure the RB18 is the best machine it can be for him to defend his drivers’ title.

Going For Gold© Vladimir Rys

After the pre-season session in Barcelona, Max was kept his cards close to his chest when talking about how the new car was performing, but the early indications were good. “The cars are heavier at low speeds, so you can really feel the weight difference when travelling slower. Although of course it’s difficult to judge how the car is,” he said, adding: “Through the few days the car was running smooth, and I was happy with the balance.”

Due to the number of red flags on the final day of the Barcelona pre-season session the Team couldn’t complete its intended programme, but Max was buoyant and was focussed on getting back into the car to test it properly before the season opener. “The car will be completely different in Bahrain, and when we’re heading into race one, it will be completely different again,” he said.

As far as Max is concerned the first race of the season is still a long way away, it’s the testing that is the most important thing right now. “For me, I’m just focussed on doing a lot of laps to try and really nail down every single aspect of the car,” he explained, but refuses to read too much into laps times because: “There’s no need to look at them until Q3!”

When asked if he’s worried about the times other drivers are posting he concluded by saying: “You don’t know where you are in testing. But I’m ready to defend my title. I’m always ready to defend, or I wouldn’t be here.”

Max In The RB18 At Barcelona Pre-Season Session© Vladimir Rys

Checo’sReadyToCharge

In less than two weeks the 2022 Formula one season gets underway and it’s not just the fans who are eager for lights out in Bahrain on Sunday 20 March; everyone is! “I’m really excited about the new season,” said Checo after finishing the pre-season session in Barcelona.

Checo Is As Excited As Anyone For The New Season To Start© Vladimir Rys

Although you can take very little from the results in Barcelona, Checo found himself P3 on the timesheet on the third day of testing and believes it’s a great start for the season ahead. “I think we’ve got a good baseline,” said Checo. “I hope we will just keep progressing from all the information that we gathered from here.”

Testing is one thing; racing is quite another, but heading into Bahrain, the Mexican thinks the Team is in a strong position. “I definitely think we have a good potential. It’s obviously very early days, but I really hope we can make a good step come Bahrain and be competitive come race one,” he explained.

Checo In His 2022 Lid© Vladimir Rys

Checo believes the 2022 season will not just be about how fast you are on track, but also how quickly the Team are off track in terms of development. “2022 is all about the development. It’s not just about race one, it’s how quickly you can develop the car,” he explained, adding: “It’s going to be a progression throughout the year; it’s important to keep making steps, keep making progress, and keep learning from my driving, the way I’m adapting the car and the Team.”

The Bull added that this season isn’t just about being strong on race day. “The race is going to be quite a different challenge from qualifying. It’s going to be a challenge to maximise the entire weekend.”

When Checo was then asked if he was ready for the fight and be able to maximise the weekend he beamed: “I was born ready!”

Our RB18 Is Ready For The Season© Vladimir Rys