Max Verstappen to start first on Friday in Bahrain

Published on 09 March 2021 by Kees-Jan Koster

Max Verstappen will be the first to drive the RB16B, the Red Bull Racing 2021 car, on the first day of the Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. On Saturday his new teammate Sergio Perez will take over.

The Sunday will be shared: Perez will take the morning, after which Max will conclude the three-day test at the Sakhir circuit in the afternoon. Two weeks later, from 26 to 28 March, the first Grand Prix of the season in Bahrain is scheduled.

After the filming day on 24 February, when Perez and Verstappen could to drive together 100 kilometres in the RB16B, the new car can finally be properly tested in Bahrain. As in a in all pre-season testing the main objective is to gather as much data as possible to get to know the car.

Max: “I hope those one and a half day well go well. It is important, because we need to do as many kilometres as possible with the car and to get used to it. To start the first Grand Prix weekend as well prepared as possible.”

Each of the test days in Bahrain (12 to 14 March) the teams will drive from 8.00 to 17.00, with a break from 12.00 to 13.00.