Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

Max Verstappen has admitted that Red Bull's grip issues will be "hard to fix" at the Australian Grand Prix as the reigning four-time world champion prepares for a difficult opening weekend of the season.

Lewis Hamilton has completed his sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season - and he is paid handsomely to suit up in red

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.

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.

In the end, Max Verstappen just missed out on winning the Australian GP behind Lando Norris, after the safety car caused by Fernando Alonso neutralised the race. Aftewards, Red Bull team principal was happy with Max Verstappen's performance in the rain.

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 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

World champion Max Verstappen said his second place at the Australian Grand Prix Sunday was "a decent starting point" for the season, but admitted Red Bull still had work to do. I'm just very happy to bring it home,

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.