Max Verstappen says he's not expecting the FIA's flexi-wing clampdown in Barcelona to shake up the Formula 1 pecking order, especially not enough to slow down McLaren.
The paddock remains divided over whether McLaren – whose flexible front wing designs have been under particular scrutiny – will be impacted by the stricter tests.
So far, most expect only minor changes.
"McLaren aren't going to end up P8," Alpine driver Pierre Gasly said with a grin. "And we're not going to end up at the front."
As it stands, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are holding the top two spots in the drivers' standings, while Verstappen is sitting third.
"I don't expect any major gains or losses for any of the teams," Verstappen said on Thursday in Barcelona.
Piastri offered a modest response when asked about McLaren's edge: "Our secret is that we have no secret."
Meanwhile, Norris was quick to caution against writing off Verstappen despite the early-season standings, calling it "silly" to do so.
Verstappen, however, responded with a shrug: "To be honest, it doesn't really feel like a fight to me.
"I just try to do my best and have a bit of fun."
Although an upgrade package helped the Red Bull star claim pole and victory in Imola, he dropped to fourth last weekend in Monaco. Still, Verstappen insists he won't give up easily.
"I always fight – that never goes away," he said. "But that doesn't mean that I am enjoying it or am loving it. I like it, but it's not like I will remember this season forever.
"I have more fun when I win consistently. I think that's clear," he smiled.
Barcelona should suit Red Bull better than the tight streets of Monaco, but Verstappen isn't making any bold predictions.
"I don't really know whether we were very strong in Imola, or McLaren was weaker than usual," he admitted.
Away from F1, Verstappen also revealed a recent off-track development: he asked the FIA to assign him a GT3 driver classification. The result? Platinum – the highest possible.
"You fill out a form, you pay, and a week later you get the answer," he said.
"I was secretly hoping for a Bronze classification. Maybe I'll appeal against Platinum and at least get Silver," Verstappen joked.
