Verstappen delivers alarming Red Bull pecking order verdict

Max Verstappen has outlined he does not expect Red Bull will be the fastest team on the grid at the season-opening round in Australia.

Red Bull has entered the last four F1 seasons in a clear front-running position and has emerged victorious at the opening round in 2023 and 2024.

However, it struggled with the development of the RB20 last year which sent it backwards in the pecking order.

Verstappen was still able to clinch a fourth F1 title, however the team fell to third in the constructors' championship.

Red Bull endured a difficult pre-season test ahead of the season as it was hit by a handful of minor issues, leaving it with the fewest laps from any squad throughout the three days.

Despite its woes, Verstappen walked away from the final day of running with a positive mindset.

“I think we had a decent day,” Verstappen said. 

“We had a few little problems, but overall we completed quite a bit of what we tried to do. I think it was not bad, but at the same time there is still work to do.”

The Australian Grand Prix will open the new F1 season in two weeks' time, where the running order will become clearer.

As Red Bull looks to have another successful season, Verstappen has acknowledged the Milton Keynes-based outfit should not be considered the favourite.

“It was what I kind of expected, we just keep on working and trying to improve,” he said. “Hopefully we will be ready for Melbourne, learn a bit more, and see where we are at.

“I do not expect us to be the fastest at all, but at the same time, it is very difficult to tell where everyone’s pace is. There is some work to do for us.”