World champion Lewis Hamilton says rivals Red Bull will be a “different animal” in this year’s title after the conclusion of pre-season testing. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fastest after testing in Bahrain, which hosts the first race on 26-28 March. Mercedes driver Hamilton said: “Red Bull have had some really good running. Verstappen said: “I had positive feelings in the car but we will find out at the first race where we are. Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas said Mercedes had made progress with their car after a difficult first day, when the Finn lost running with a gearbox problem and Hamilton suffered handling problems. With the first day being compromised, it is so hard to say.

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