Max Verstappen explains Red Bull deficit to F1 rivals

Max Verstappen has said Red Bull's lack of pace compared to Mercedes is "half car, half engine" following the F1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman carved through the field at Albert Park, dragging his RB22 from its lowly P20 grid slot to sixth place by the chequered flag.

Despite his crash in qualifying robbing him of the opportunity to show his true performance in Melbourne, the four-time F1 drivers' champion was relatively pleased with the position the Milton Keynes-based squad finds itself in at this stage of the campaign.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Verstappen, who highlighted the team is currently third or fourth in the pecking order, said: "We have potential in the car, for sure, we know that.

"Engine side, I think we're not too bad. At the moment, I think where our pace is lacking is half-half, so half car, half engine, which is not bad.

"Those are things that can be overcome; it's not shocking."

Pride in Red Bull and Ford

Verstappen stressed how proud he is of the entire Red Bull team, which is embarking on its first season as a power unit provider, in partnership with Ford.

The American car manufacturer has returned to the championship after over two decades, but the relationship is already proving fruitful, with the team outstripping expectations across pre-season testing and the opening round of the year.

"I'm very negative about the rules, but I do feel really proud of the team and the engine side as well," the 28-year-old, who has been the most vocal critic of F1's new regulations, added.

"The guys really have done an amazing job. So from that side, I'm very happy to be working with them.

"I just wish that I enjoyed it a bit more driving-wise. But still, they've done an incredible job to be where we are — to be fighting with McLaren, with a Mercedes engine.

"And I think if we improve a little bit, we can fight a little bit further up front. And then suddenly, of course, the world looks a bit better.

"The rules still are the same, but the world does look a bit better in terms of how competitive we are. I hope, of course, that within a few races, we can take a little step forward."

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