Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez jumped behind the wheel of the team’s 2021 challenger, the RB16B, today for an official filming day at Silverstone.
Alex Albon also returned to the track today, driving the RB15, and will act as the team’s reserve driver for the upcoming season.
Speaking after driving the RB16B onto Silverstone’s National Circuit for its first laps, Perez said;
“Driving a new car is always special – for the driver and also for the Team. They have been working so hard through the winter, so to finally take the car on track, it’s quite an emotional day.
“I can say I think there is a lot of potential. The conditions were not great but it was nice to get a feeling for the car. It’s pretty exciting.
“Earlier this week I drove the RB15 but today I could feel a step in overall grip and top speed.”
After a quick stint in the RB15 this morning, Max then jumped into the RB16B for an afternoon run.
The 23-year-old said he was pleased to finally get an initial feeling for the new car.
“I started with the RB15 to just get a few laps in after the winter break and then I jumped into the RB16B.
“Days like today are all about getting comfortable with the car and with the new power unit, trying to make things run smoothly and trying to be well prepared before we go testing in Bahrain.
“It’s always good to be back driving a Formula One car and the first time you go out of the pits is such a great feeling.”
Team Principal, Christian Horner, added: “It’s always great to see a new car hit the track for the first time and to see the drivers get their first laps in.
“Today is mainly just about making sure all the basics are functioning well before it all gets packed up and sent out to Bahrain and in that regard today was a success.”
