When the chequered flag come out at the Australian GP, Max Verstappen was only a few tenths behind race winner Lando Norris.<\/p>\n
However, this small gap was only thanks to a combination of floor damage Norris picked up and a late Safety Car.<\/p>\n
Red Bull were nowhere near McLaren in terms of raw pace, with the MCL39’s tyre degradation putting it in a league of its own in Albert Park.<\/p>\n
After the race, Verstappen made clear he did not expect to contend with the papaya team unless the RB21 improved.<\/p>\n
Eight rounds later, the Dutchman is still within striking range of the McLaren duo – with the promise of closing the gap further after the FIA’s technical directive<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the 4-time Champion is less bullish about the impact of these changes than his team principal – Christian Horner.<\/p>\n When the FIA announced its clampdown on ‘flexi-wings’ in pre-season, there was plenty of speculation across the paddock.<\/p>\n It didn’t take long, however, for Red Bull to make their perspective on the new rules clear.<\/p>\nRed Bull on the Spanish GP directive<\/h2>\n