Max Verstappen forced to battle 'fundamental' Red Bull problem

Max Verstappen was dealing with a “fundamental” issue behind the wheel of his Red Bull car on Friday in China.

The four-time F1 champion ended the sole practice session of the weekend in eighth place - a position he mirrored at the end of sprint qualifying.

Throughout the day, Verstappen was heard complaining over team radio about the issues he was facing behind the wheel, which related to the car's balance and downshifts.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, former F1 strategist Bernie Collins revealed the communication between Verstappen and the pit wall highlighted the extent of the challenges he was facing.

“He was really unhappy throughout that whole session, complaining of the downshifts, which we've heard a lot from Max in the past,” Collins said.

“But there seem to be, fundamentally, a lot more issues going on in that car. 

“At one point, he just said, 'just look at everything'. And when he came out on his out lap in SQ3, he said, 'Is there anything I can do differently to try and improve this?' 

“He was basically told, 'No - this is fundamental in the car.' 

“So a very disappointing session for him, he has to carry that into the sprint. And it doesn't sound like there are any quick fixes.”

Verstappen will start Saturday's race from the midpack as he seeks to add points to his championship tally.

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve weighed in on the struggles endured by the Red Bull driver, suggesting the issues extend to harvesting concerns.

“Last year he knew he had a car that he could maybe bring the battle during the season, and now it looks like the gap is way too big,” he said.

“He said he's got lack of grip, and it triggers other issues. When you're harvesting energy, the car is very stable.

“If you get a little bit sideways, you get off the gas, you get back on the gas, it's really not good for the energy. And that's maybe what he's alluding to.”