Max Verstappen believes it is 50:50 whether Red Bull and Honda will launch an attack on the F1 World Championship in 2020.
The Dutchman is the winner of eight Grand Prix and was already established as one of the biggest names in F1 at the age of 22. Former champion Red Bull, however, has produced race winners rather than title challengers since the start of the Mercedes-dominated hybrid era in 2014.
The strong finish to the first season with Honda engines, in which Verstappen clinched his first F1 double pole victory last time in Brazil, has raised expectations of the threat Red Bull could bring next season.
And Verstappen is confident that the team can use this momentum in winter.
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“We learned a lot throughout the season,” Verstappen told Sky Sports News at a Red Bull camel polo event ahead of the season’s end in Abu Dhabi.
“What went well and what did we do wrong or not do so well.
“We will of course try to work over the winter to make everything better, the whole package. You can now see clearly all year round [Red Bull have been strong]Of course we’ve always been like that in general, but I’m really very confident that it’s not right now.
“I think we can really turn this into an early start next year. At least that’s the goal. “
When asked if this would mean a title challenge for 2020, Verstappen replied, “This is what we are aiming for.
“You never know, so it’s 50-50. It’s yes or no. “
Verstappen celebrates the Brazilian victory with his team.Source: Getty Images
Verstappen’s impressive win in Interlagos two weeks ago, which the Dutchman attributed to a “very tough” strategy call from the pit wall and quick pit stops, one of which was the fastest in F1, was the third season for him and the team.
“We really improved in the last few races, so of course we were very satisfied,” said Verstappen.
“One more race now, so we’ll try to have a good weekend and end it with good feelings during the winter break.”
Verstappen is due to take his top third place in the F1 championship at the Abu Dhabi race on Sunday. The Dutchman leads Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with 11 points.
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