Verstappen set for significant boost following crucial confirmation

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed the team will soon introduce its first upgrades of the season. 

The Milton Keynes-based outfit faced a mixed season-opening Australian Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen again led the charge for the team. 

Verstappen started in third but quickly passed McLaren's Oscar Piastri for second on the opening lap before the home hero managed to reclaim position. 

McLaren's pace then proved too strong for Red Bull, although Verstappen briefly took the lead at the end of lap 44 after a sudden heavy rain shower caused chaos. 

Both McLarens went off the circuit, with Piastri coming off worse as he spun onto the grass at the penultimate corner. 

Lando Norris recovered and quickly pitted for intermediate tyres, whilst Verstappen completed two more laps on slicks. 

When Verstappen did eventually pit for intermediates, he dropped into second behind Norris. The four-time world champion battled the Briton until the end but had to settle for the runner-up spot. 

As for Liam Lawson, the New Zealander started the race from the pit lane after changes were made to his car under parc fermé. 

Lawson's race ended in the closing stages after crashing at Turn 2 during the heavy rain shower.

It marked a promising weekend for Verstappen, but one of serious disappointment for Lawson on his Red Bull debut. The overriding feeling for Red Bull, though, is that it is behind McLaren.

Marko has at least revealed upgrades will soon be introduced to the RB21 to take steps forward. 

When asked if Red Bull's issues are mechanical or aerodynamical, speaking to Sky Deutschland, he replied: "Both. But that cannot be solved so quickly. 

"So we hope that around the third to fifth race we will take an important step forward."