F1 champion Max Verstappen offers DIRE Australian GP verdict as Red Bull chief admits unexpected problems

Verstappen, RB21, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

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Max Verstappen offers DIRE Australian GP verdict as Red Bull chief admits unexpected problems

Red Bull may not be the fastest team heading into the 2025 season

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Monday 3 March 2025 04:00

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has offered a dire verdict on his chances of being quickest at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix later this month.

The Red Bull star heads into 2025 with the chance to make it five consecutive titles on the bounce. However, while a strong start played a key part in his 2024 championship win, it does not sound as though he will be making such a fast start this time around.

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Following three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, McLaren appear to hold the advantage heading into the 2025 season, with Ferrari and Mercedes also looking impressive.

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However, Red Bull had a trickier three days in Sakhir, with Verstappen's team-mate Liam Lawson’s full day of running on Thursday interrupted by the rain and then a loss of engine water pressure that saw him return to the garage.

McLaren impressed during their race simulation in Bahrain

Red Bull's test did not go to plan in Bahrain

Are Red Bull going to win the Australian GP?

“There were a few small issues, but overall, we completed a lot of what we wanted to do,” Max Verstappen said in a Red Bull press release after pre-season testing.

“I think it was not bad, but at the same time, there is still some work to do. We probably won’t be the fastest in Melbourne.”