Verstappen won two Grands Prix in the Red Bull, enjoying a strong second half of 2017.

The Dutchman is expected to challenge for the Drivers’ Championship next year if Red Bull make gains over the winter break.

But overtaking was a major problem for the team in 2017.

Failure to lock out the front grid in qualifying meant Verstappen and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo were sometimes left to pick up points outside the podium places.

But the 23-year-old is hopeful next year will be better.

“This year I actually didn’t have that many overtakes,” he revealed.

“With this car you are actually only able to overtake on the straights.

“Which is really not that satisfying compared to last year.”

Red Bull are thought to have a move nimbler car than Constructors’ Champions Mercedes, but the width of F1 cars during the 2017 season meant overtaking was a problem for everyone.

Verstappen’s last race win came in Malaysia when he beat Lewis Hamilton to the chequered flag.

Asked about that win, he added: “It felt good, but honestly, it doesn’t matter who I fight with as long as it is for the win.

“It wasn’t a particularly special feeling.”