Verstappen: Mercedes were surprised by their own pace

Before that, after Barcelona preseason testing the impression was that Ferrari had the best package while Mercedes cried wolf before unleashing their beast on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne. When the dust settled the silver cars were seven tenths faster than anything else in the field.

In his preview of the Bahrain weekend, Verstappen said, “We had a good start and I really enjoyed it. But we have to improve. I think that Mercedes were surprised by their own pace. Ferrari too, but unpleasantly surprised. We were sort of in the middle.”

Red Bull and their young superstar driver are relishing the new Honda partnership which got off to the kind of start they could only dream of, the Japanese giant celebrating on the podium for the first time in over a decade.

Verstappen continued, “Even before the pre-season, I was pretty confident because of the dyno results. During the tests it all felt good and we didn’t have many issues so I was already happy with what we had. Of course, you always have to wait how competitive we could be, but I think the outside world cared more about that."

"We were quietly confident in the package, and in particular the engine. I think we showed in Australia we can overtake Ferrari on-track.”

While Mercedes were clearly ahead in qualy and race pace, while there was little to separate Red Bull and Ferrari but the nature Albert Park might have played against the Reds, benefitted Mercedes and flattered Red Bull.

The pecking order may alter during the first three races of the championship

Max explained, “Melbourne is a bit of odd track. Here in Bahrain, and next in China, we should have a better idea where things stand. I don’t know where we are, we’ll find out. We know we have to do better to really make a step forward. That’s what we’re focussing on, because we can always improve.”

As for the five-star strip of tarmac in the desert for this weekend's race, Verstappen said, “The second sector is nice; the chicane, hairpin, being late on the brakes."

"The track has a couple of nice bits where you can overtake. And the more top speed you have, the easier it is to get a tow, the easier it is to overtake."

"Last year I tried to out-brake people from afar because otherwise, you wouldn’t stand a chance. Mistakes can happen then. But now we should have better chances," concluded Verstappen.

The 20-year-old's best result in Bahrain was sixth place with Toro Rosso in 2016, on the other three visits Verstappen retired from the race, including last year when both Red Bulls were out by lap three.