Verstappen: We will learn more about RB21 over the next few days

Verstappen will be hoping that his latest ride, which does not carry Adrian Newey's touch this time, will be an improvement compared to its predecessor that made him work hard to secure his fourth consecutive F1 title back in the 2024 season.

But now, the Dutchman will get to know his car more as pre-season testing will start on Wednesday in Bahrain, where he will share driving duties with his new teammate, Liam Lawson.

Speaking after Red Bull Racing's filming day, Verstappen said: "It's good to be back on track in Bahrain for this filming day before we head into testing.

"It is really nice to be back driving again and to get into the RB21 for the first time," he added. "I got a few laps in, but today was more about getting comfortable in the car, seeing what fits, and we will then learn more about the car over the next few days."

Referring to last year's struggles, Verstappen continued: "We know what last year's limitations were, so it is important that we assess the pace over the next few days and see if we have improved.

"We don't have a long time before the first race, so over testing, we hope to get a lot of mileage on the car and lots of runs in to understand where we can find time.

"At the moment I don't have targets for the season as we don't know how competitive we are, but I am looking forward to getting back to racing in general, especially driving in Spa and Zandvoort, which are my favourite tracks on the calendar," the Red Bull ace concluded.

Lawson, on the other hand, was more upbeat after driving the RB21 in Bahrain, which is a good sign, as he drove the all-conquering RB19—which won all but one race in 2023—in Jerez on Monday.

Lawson said: "First impressions are good; it is always exciting to get in the car for the first time. For me, I have never started a full season in Formula 1, so the preparations and days like this Filming Day are good for me.

"We are also learning about a new car as well, and so far the RB21 feels good," the Kiwi added. "The next few days of testing will be beneficial. I am most looking forward to just going racing, to having a full pre-season with a team, and learn along the way."

While he is a new driver with the team, Lawson pointed out that he already knows his way around the Red Bull garage given his previous role as a reserve driver.

"This isn't a new team to me," he said. "I knew so many people here already, and I am very excited to be working with such a talented group.

"My target, simply, is to be fast and to be where the team needs me to be. The goal is to regain the Constructors' this year, and if we can achieve that, then it means I am doing my part.

"Collectively all of our goals are the same, and that is to be as far up the front as we can," Lawson concluded.