Verstappen demands Red Bull action after first McLaren blow

Max Verstappen has called on Red Bull to "make strides" with the RB21 after McLaren dominated the first qualifying session of the F1 season.

Despite the Dutchman turning in a better-than-expected third place in the grid-setting hour at Albert Park, his best time was almost four-tenths of a second adrift of pole-sitter Lando Norris.

The Milton Keynes squad appered beleaguered after pre-season testing in Bahrain, so the four-time drivers' champion's one-lap pace will come as a relief to the team.

However, Liam Lawson struggled mightily in Melbourne on his first visit to the circuit. Having underwhelmed throughout Friday, a power unit issue curtailed his FP3 running before mistakes in qualifying left him out in Q1 and consigned to P18 on the grid.

Verstappen, meanwhile, explained that whilst the balance of the RB21 has taken a step forward, the package is still too slow overall.

"The car did improve slightly," Verstappen stated to Viaplay. "But in the end you see the gap in Q3 and that does indicate that we are not there yet."

Asked whether he was surprised with the delta to McLaren, the 63-time grand prix winner replied: "No, actually not. I'm happy to be third.

"In itself the balance wasn't so wrong, it's just that we're just a bit too slow and you just have to accept that. It's the first race weekend. I hope we can just make strides with the car now. But it's obviously a big gap."

Detailing his approach to qualifying, he added: "Just driving laps constantly, not making any mistakes. I don't think I did that either, so in itself I'm just happy with the performance of Q1, Q2 and Q3."

Verstappen's expectations for the Australian Grand Prix

Verstappen is remaining downcast on his expectations for the grand prix, despite positioning himself in the hunt for at least a podium.

"I don't think we have the race pace of McLaren," he said. "Relative to Ferrari and Mercedes, I think it will be difficult.

"I don't know and I didn't do very many laps in the second free practice. I also don't know how long my tyres will stay in one piece."

Although, with wet weather threatening to disrupt the status quo in Melbourne, there could be the opportunity for Verstappen to re-enforce the prevailing view that he is in a league of his own in adverse conditions.

"There's a chance it will rain, though, so then it's completely different again. We'll see after the race if I'm happy with that."

He concluded by joking: "I don't really care if it's 40 degrees or 20 degrees. Ice is fine too, just like gravel."