Verstappen: Difference between the engines is still too large

Verstappen said in an interview on his website, "For Formula 1, in general, it would be good if everything gets closer together. For this to happen you have to look at the engines. The difference between the engines is still too large."

"The three top teams are fighting each other, but behind that it is very close, so it remains interesting and I think this is exciting as well. At least it is what I see on the screens during the race."

The issue of overtaking (or lack thereof) has become a talking point in the paddock, a situation that the young Dutchman also laments, "It was a lot more fun in 2016. You could follow each other better and, in some way, it was more gratifying."

"In 2017 it's a lot harder and less fun to really race each other. The braking distance is shorter and it's just very hard to follow other cars. The car is also more unpredictable and can suddenly break-away without warning."

Swapping to the right tyres at the right moment handed his teammate Daniel Ricciardo victory at the Chinese Grand Prix last time out. Verstappen himself was also a beneficiary of the soft rubber on the day, albeit with less success than his teammate.

With regards to tyres, Verstappen said, "I would like to see only a soft and a hard tyre available. If you had to swap the markings on the tyres no-one would know the difference and ultimately people do not have to know if it's Ultrasoft or Supersoft. I think fans do not care what compound tyres are used."

Fresh from victory in Shanghai, Red Bull head to Azerbaijan where Ricciardo won last year giving Verstappen reason to be optimistic, "The car is in a good shape and I think it will be even better on a street circuit. I am really looking forward to it whatever the case."

"Last year [in Baku] was a very unfortunate weekend for me. It was a shame because the car felt really good but I encountered a lot of problems which ultimately meant I missed out on a potential podium, perhaps even a win. I’m hoping this year I can make up for that lost opportunity,” added the Red Bull driver.