Max Verstappen can only guarantee one thing about Red Bull’s upgrade package for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen is looking to strike back in Suzuka after his retirement at the Australian GP last time out.
And in quotes relayed by Planet F1, he offered a three-word response to those awaiting upgrades from the reigning champions this weekend.
Verstappen suffered his first mechanical DNF since Australia 2022 last time out when he encountered a brake issue.
He’d started on pole ahead of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz but lost the lead to the Spaniard when his right-rear brake became stuck.
The issue subsequently worsened and Red Bull had to use fire extinguishers before Verstappen climbed from his car.
Sainz went on to lead home Charles Leclerc in Ferrari’s first one-two finish for more than two years.
Verstappen had won the first two races in dominant fashion, but his lead at the top is down to just four points.
Max Verstappen coy on Red Bull’s Suzuka updates
When a reporter asked Verstappen about the planned updates to the RB20 for this weekend’s race, he was tight-lipped.
While the ‘colour’ of the car certainly won’t change, the rest of the paddock will have to wait to see just how extensive the evolution is.
Verstappen said: “Well, I mean the colour will be the same. You will see.”
Red Bull are trying to build on the most dominant car in F1 history after the RB19 won 21 out of 22 races last year.
Sainz was once again the only driver to deny them victory as he took the chequered flag in Singapore.
Can Ferrari challenge Red Bull again in Japan?
This weekend’s race should offer a telling glimpse of the pecking order at the front of the field.
Ferrari were always expecting to be strong in Australia even before Verstappen lent them a major helping hand.
The key question now is whether the Scuderia’s performance proves to be a flash in the pan or whether they can challenge Red Bull consistently.
Team principal Fred Vasseur backed the team to compete for multiple victories this year, while Leclerc warned the Bulls he would soon put them under more ‘pressure’.
But Ferrari might not have expected to be standing on the top step of the podium so early in the campaign.
Vasseur says the SF24 is much easier to drive than its predecessor, much to the relief of Sainz and Leclerc.
However, Verstappen and Red Bull remain in a bullish mood ahead of round four.
The Dutchman told Helmut Marko that he could have kept up with Sainz at Albert Park before his issues worsened.
There have also been suggestions that Red Bull could bring a significant upgrade to Imola in the middle of May.
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