Verstappen Surprised by Red Bull’s Pace After Tough Start at Australian GP

Max Verstappen went from frustration to surprise at the Australian Grand Prix, securing third place in qualifying despite struggling with setup issues earlier in the weekend. The defending Formula 1 champion will start behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, sharing the second row with Mercedes’ George Russell at Albert Park.

“We had a tough start,” Verstappen admitted. “This track has never really suited us, so it took some time to figure things out. I didn’t expect to be sitting here after yesterday.”

Despite feeling more at one with the car in qualifying, Verstappen acknowledged Red Bull still lacked the pace to challenge McLaren. “We were a bit faster today, but not fast enough. Still, being ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes is a good sign.”

With rain in the forecast for race day, Verstappen remains optimistic. “I back myself in any conditions, but I don’t expect miracles. Our long-run pace is okay, just not on McLaren’s level. I’ll do my best and see what happens.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner praised Verstappen’s effort, calling it a “decent” qualifying, but noted that the car struggled in the final sector. “We have a solid platform for the season, but there’s still work to do.”

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s new teammate, Liam Lawson, endured a tough debut, crashing out in Q1 after a rough weekend filled with off-track excursions and car repairs.

With an unpredictable race ahead, Verstappen will need all his skill and maybe a little help from the weather to start his title defense with a win.