There are big expectations for Max Verstappen in season 2019. The Dutch driver will finally be the undisputed leader of Red Bull Racing as Daniel Ricciardo left the team for Renault. In test day three, Verstappen set a best lap in 1:18.787 with a total mileage of 109 laps, as he made a series of aero tests in the morning to move on longer runs in the afternoon.

“I think today was really positive. Whenever you do more than 100 laps at a test, that’s a good day. I’m happy with the way we’re working together with Honda so far, it’s very focused and everybody knows their job” said Verstappen.

Happy with the productive test work we got done today. We learned a lot. Also great to have visited my partner @Exact here at Barcelona. It was a positive day 💪 #KeepPushing #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/o1uYS37sHB

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) 20 febbraio 2019

The team also had the chance to try a few different things in order to find the right balance for the brand-new RB15. Verstappen admit that it’s hard to do comparisons right now, but the start of the season seems promising for the Dutchman: “What’s most important is that we have completed a lot of laps and investigated many set-up changes. With different regulations, you have to understand what direction to go in and that’s exactly what we’re doing. So far, it’s difficult to judge where we are compared to the other teams – we’ll find that out in Melbourne – but at the moment the car feels good.”

It's been another good day of #F1Testing for @Max33Verstappen 👊😃 pic.twitter.com/jrH3DZrZqQ

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 20 febbraio 2019