Max Verstappen being in his “best shape” is not enough to help a “too slow” Red Bull to victory at the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen hustled his RB21 to the front row of Saturday’s Sprint, exclaiming surprise to have qualified so highly before holding onto a third-place result in the 19-lap race.
Come qualifying, the Dutchman could only manage fourth place, far better than his new team-mate Liam Lawson, whose struggles resigned him to last place.
The New Zealander’s result speaks to a wider issue, one that Verstappen’s enormous talents can’t completely overcome: Red Bull isn’t quick enough.
“It’s clear we’re just not in a very good position, especially compared to McLaren but also the other teams,” the Dutchman said post-qualifying (via Autosport).
Asked if he was still aiming for a podium, he said: “I don’t even want to think about that right now. The Ferraris starting behind me also looked quicker in the sprint.
“Our tyre degradation [in the sprint] was better [than FP1] but still not good enough and, if you’re talking about a full race distance, that means you’re dropping back quite far.
“It’s not like I can take it easier either, because then you’ll get overtaken as well.
“We changed a few things into qualifying, but I don’t think it’s going to change a whole lot. I think our deficit is bigger than it was last year.”
Verstappen was then asked if he feels Red Bull is the fourth fastest team, to which he said “That’s what it feels like for me at the moment.
“I’ve been feeling really good and relaxed in the car, also in qualifying. I’ve been able to maximise it, but it’s just too slow.”
Verstappen: ‘We are not fast enough’
Red Bull’s troubles compared to the end of last season are different.
Whereas the RB20 ended the 2024 campaign as a tricky car to drive a narrow operating window, this year’s machine is, in Verstappen’s eyes, lacking all-around pace.
The issue is such that Verstappen told Sky Sports the only way he can beat the three cars in front of him on the grid is “if they all retire.”
Doubling down on his pessimistic view of Red Bull’s prospects, he said: ”We are not fast enough.
“I think the lap was alright, just very difficult to get a consistent balance out of it every lap, every corner, basically.
“It was tough, but we are working on it. We’re trying to do better.”
From a personal standpoint, Verstappen believes he’s operating well.
“I probably feel in the best shape again driving-wise compared to even the years before.
“I feel like I go into qualifying, I’m nailing the laps. I’m doing a good job.
“We’re executing everything that we can, but when the base pace is lacking then there’s not much that you can do.”
As Red Bull was struggling, Racing Bulls was charging well with both drivers qualifying inside the top-10.
Asked if Verstappen was surprised by the Faenza team’s pace, he said “They’re doing very well, they’re very close to me.
“Maybe that also says something,” he added with a smile, perhaps hinting the VCARB 02 is a stronger package than the RB21.
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