Max Verstappen issues Red Bull demand over 'hit and miss' recovery

Max Verstappen has called on Red Bull to "understand" how it can improve the balance and grip of the RB22 at Zandvoort.

The Dutchman, who recently signed a contract extension with the six-time constructors' champions until the end of 2030, qualified seventh for the sprint at the final Dutch Grand Prix, and wants to see more performance from his car at his home race swansong.

It was a difficult start to the round, at a venue he has triumphed at on three occasions, with Verstappen ending the sole free practice hour down in P11, before things relatively improved later in the day.

Looking at the positives, the four-time F1 drivers' champion was quick to highlight that he outpaced the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton during the shorter grid-setting session, but wants to see more from his package as the weekend progresses.

"I guess we outqualified one car, but it was just a bit tricky to find the grip, the balance," Verstappen said after sprint qualifying.

"It was already a step forward from FP1, but of course still lacking a little bit to be a little bit further up the road.

"But it's something that we need to understand now: what we can do with the balance for tomorrow to find a bit more grip, really; a bit of balance, a bit of grip to close the gap a bit."

When it was put to the 28-year-old that Red Bull has often been able to transform its fortunes overnight after a difficult Friday, something that has been somewhat of a calling card for the Milton Keynes-based team in recent years, he pointed out that it has been more sporadic this term.

Despite knowing the areas he wishes to see improved before main qualifying, Verstappen was unable to identify how the team might go about achieving that at his stage.

"It's hit and miss, but let's see what we can find," the 71-time grand prix winner added. "I cannot tell you right now."