Elevated into the lead when McLaren’s “panic” had both drivers pitting, Max Verstappen says Red Bull had to “gamble” as it was their best chance to win the Australian Grand Prix. Lining up on a sodden Albert Park grid in third place behind an all-McLaren front row,

Max Verstappen will start the Australian Grand Prix in fifth and it's claimed the Red Bull driver has made a demand of the team's social media department.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula One defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

Verstappen was not the only Red Bull struggler, as his new team-mate Liam Lawson was a lowly 17th in Friday's second session, more than a second behind leader Leclerc. The Kiwi will be under pressure to at least cling onto Verstappen's coat-tails this season after earning a rapid promotion from Racing Bulls.

Formula 1 defending champion Max Verstappen downplayed Red Bull's chances at Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, saying the car is slower than their rivals and still working through some issues.

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has cast doubt on Max Verstappen's future just days before the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway. This weekend, F1 will return with the Australian Grand Prix, which is set to take place around Albert Park in Melbourne.

Helmut Marko's bet did not pay off in Melbourne. Lando Norris managed to win the Australian GP, while the top advisor bet on Max Verstappen after the Saturday. Afterwar,ds he explained what he noticed in Australia to Sky Sports Austria.

Red Bull have decided to replace two parts on Max Verstappen's car entering Sunday's Australian GP. The Dutchman does not have to worry about a grid penalty however. On the other hand, Oliver Bearman will start from the pit lane after Haas' changes.