Red Bull to discuss Verstappen 'problem' with FIA

Helmut Marko has explained Max Verstappen was nursing an issue with his Red Bull during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, something the team will discuss with the FIA.

The Dutchman qualified seventh in Sakhir. The saving grace for the Dutchman is that championship rival Lando Norris could only claim sixth, despite the prowess of his McLaren MCL39.

However, it appears that Verstappen's RB21 was not firing on all cylinders at the Bahrain International Circuit, something the team will need to investigate.

After a few niggles in Q2, the four-time world champion had "huge braking problems in Q3", according to Marko, who was keen to emphasise the performance of Yuki Tsunoda in the other Red Bull.

"Let's start on a positive note," the 81-year-old told Sky Sports Germany. "Tsunoda finished in the top ten, but Max was not satisfied.

"He had some problems in Q2 and huge braking problems in Q3. You could see that in the data. So far we have no explanation for it."

Red Bull to hold discussions with FIA

Marko shared his confusion at how qualified played out, with the Mercedes of George Russell running Oscar Piastri close for pole and Norris in the other McLaren well off his team-mate's pace.

However, he is more concerned with getting to the bottom of Verstappen's brake issue. The Austrian stated that Red Bull will engage the FIA in discussions about changing the brake pads on the RB21, despite Parc Ferme conditions.

"George Russell is on the same level as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris is next to Max," he said. "We don't understand that. It will be an interesting race.

"First we have to find out what caused the brake problem. Then we have to discuss with the FIA whether you can adjust the brake pads, grind them off or install them."