Verstappen doubts Shanghai podium is realistic

Max Verstappen played down the likelihood that he or Toro Rosso teammate Sainz could finish the Shanghai weekend on the podium.

"I think it is not realistic -- Mercedes and Ferrari are too far away for that," the Dutchman told De Telegraaf newspaper.

"Behind them the field is closer together, but I think Red Bull is slightly stronger than the rest," he added. "They are the third team now.

"After that, everything is very close together. Only Sauber and Renault are further behind," said Verstappen, probably forgetting to also mention Manor.