Reigning champion Max Verstappen has said he does not believe Red Bull has a car capable of challenging for victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualified 1-2 on the grid, then went on to dominate the race until a trip into the gravel knocked the latter out of contention for a win. Verstappen brought his Red Bull home in second, albeit with the knowledge that he didn’t have the equipment to compete.

Max Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028, but the question remains whether the four-time World Champion will fully serve that contract with the Austrian team.