The FIA’s swear police would be having a field day. “S---,” exclaims Zak Brown as he dumps a forehand into the net during an early morning game of tennis with the Telegraph at Melbourne’s national tennis centre on Friday.

Verstappen was not the only Red Bull struggler, as his new team-mate Liam Lawson was a lowly 17th in Friday's second session, more than a second behind leader Leclerc. The Kiwi will be under pressure to at least cling onto Verstappen's coat-tails this season after earning a rapid promotion from Racing Bulls.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula One defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

It was a mixed bag of a curtain raiser for Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen just missed out on victory in the Australian Grand Prix, while debutant Liam Lawson crashed out. Reigning world champion Verstappen was trapped between McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for much of the opening stint in wet conditions in Melbourne,

In the end, Max Verstappen just missed out on winning the Australian GP behind Lando Norris, after the safety car caused by Fernando Alonso neutralised the race. Aftewards, Red Bull team principal was happy with Max Verstappen's performance in the rain.

Elevated into the lead when McLaren’s “panic” had both drivers pitting, Max Verstappen says Red Bull had to “gamble” as it was their best chance to win the Australian Grand Prix. Lining up on a sodden Albert Park grid in third place behind an all-McLaren front row,