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.

Formula One 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 has identified a recurring "problem" with the Red Bull RB21 depsite Max Verstappen's "ideal" result in Australian GP qualifying.

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.

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.

Toto Wolff has issued an update regarding his Mercedes team's pursuit of Red Bull F1 star Max Verstappen. ➡️ READ MORE Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has slammed the FIA for their latest switch on attitudes towards flexible wing designs used on Formula 1 cars.

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.