Max Verstappen promised upgrades by Red Bull chief - but there is a catch
MAX VERSTAPPEN will receive upgrades on his Red Bull car to help close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari.
Bahrain Grand Prix: Max Verstappen reacts to fourth place finish
However, the 21-year-old must wait up to a month before his car will be fully prepared to fight at the front of the grid.
Verstappen has been impressive in the opening two races, finishing third in Australia and fourth in Bahrain.
The Dutchman has often complained about the speed of his RB15.
Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has promised that upgrades are close to completion.
But they will not be fully implemented for next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, with the likely date being a fortnight later on Sunday, May 12.
“There will be no new car,” Marko told Formule 1.
“We have an aerodynamic problem. That is in the chassis.
“The solution is not a matter of doing it in a week.
“The first package of updates is coming in China next week.
“Only in Spain will the necessary aerodynamic adjustments be made."
Verstappen has voiced his frustration at not being able to challenge the race leaders this term.
"We just didn't have the speed so we couldn't really attack,” he said.
“It can happen sometimes that things don't go well, as long as we know where the problem is.
"We are third in the Championship and so is Red Bull.
“[We are] trying to lose as few points as possible and getting the car under control quickly.”