Red Bull target set after 'unacceptable' disaster

Helmut Marko has labelled Red Bull's performance in the Bahrain Grand Prix "not acceptable" after Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda finished sixth and ninth respectively.

The Austrian maintains the Milton Keynes squad is currently the fourth-quickest in F1, a far cry from its position 12 months ago.

Not only was the pace of the RB21 found wanting in Sakhir, but pit-stop issues plagued the six-time constructors' champions throughout the race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Problems with the automated stop/go lights, which tell the driver when they can be released once the tyres have been successfully changed, meant Verstappen and Tsunoda were stationary far longer than necessary.

Marko estimated the persistent issue cost the team a couple of positions in the grand prix, but insisted the team was "just too slow" nonetheless.

"At the moment, we are the fourth team," the 81-year-old remarked to media including RacingNews365.

"We have to get performance in the car again as soon as possible. And also standards. If the car is not the fastest and the pit stops are not working, that is not acceptable."

Marko remains hopeful after 'very alarming' Bahrain Grand Prix

Red Bull is preparing for a raft of upgrades at next month's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but until then must make do with the current car.

When asked what the team can do to improve its immediate circumstances, Marko underlined the need to better prepare through race weekends - as well as setting a target for when the European season gets underway.

"Do better preparation and finding the setup with what we have," he explained. "But of course, there can't be any new parts in the short term.

"[It is] very alarming," he added of the team's results in Sakhir. "We know that we are not competitive. Parts will come in the coming races, and hopefully they bring improvement.

"But we will sort it out, and I hope in the races in Europe that we are more competitive."