Max Verstappen rues critical Red Bull issue after huge qualifying gap

Max Verstappen has detailed a crucial area that Red Bull failed to get on top of during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.

Verstappen ended the session in third place as McLaren locked out the front row with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The McLaren drivers boasted a large gap to Verstappen, as the Red Bull competitor was left four-tenths of a second down on pole-sitter Norris.

Verstappen struggled to keep his tyre temperatures under control throughout the day - an issue that cost him time during qualifying. 

“It was quite tough in qualifying - I don’t know how the others felt about it,” he said. “For me, it never felt like we nailed that bit.”

However, Verstappen is adamant he did not have enough pace in any setting to best McLaren.

“But at the other end, I think the gap was quite big to them, so it wouldn’t have mattered in terms of position.”

Rain is forecast for the grand prix on Sunday, which could play into Verstappen's hands given his historical prowess in wet conditions.

When asked if he would prefer wet or dry conditions for the race, Verstappen stated: “It’s fine, dry or wet. 

“In the wet, there are always some crazy things that can happen, especially around here, it can be quite slippery. But it’s the same for everyone.