Max Verstappen drops worrying Red Bull verdict after qualifying nightmare in Japan

Max Verstappen has issued a worrying verdict on the RB22 after yet another nightmare performance in Japanese Grand Prix qualifying, adding to his torrid start to the 2026 F1 campaign.

Four-time world champion Verstappen has not started the 2026 campaign as he would have liked, with the Red Bull driver yet to secure a podium in the season’s first two races in Melbourne and Shanghai.

The 28-year-old failed to score in the China Sprint and Grand Prix, being forced to retire from the race in Shanghai due to technical issues.

Despite winning the last four Grands Prix in Japan, the Dutchman once again complained about control issues with the car on Saturday (28 March). He had explained that the RB22 was “not very good” and “lacking balance [and] grip” in practice at Suzuka. He also said that every lap at the Chinese Grand Prix had felt like “survival mode”, while comparing the sport under the new regulations to Formula E.

In qualifying, Verstappen was eliminated in Q2, as Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad registered a quicker time than the four-time world champion to sneak into the top 10 on the grid, leaving the Dutchman to settle for 11th.

Max Verstappen has struggled this season (Credit:Getty)

“I think there is something wrong with the car, mate,” Verstappen said on team radio after he missed out on the top 10. “It’s completely undriveable suddenly in this qualifying. Jumping at high speed in the rear suddenly.”

Speaking after his Q2 elimination, the Red Bull driver explained that he was “beyond” frustrated.

“I don’t know the right word in English for it. I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest,” he explained.

When asked what the Dutch word to describe how he was feeling might be, Verstappen replied: “Yeah, I don’t even know… There’s probably no word. There’s no word.

“It’s just… I cannot… I don’t get upset about it. I don’t get disappointed or frustrated by it any more with what’s going on, so.”

Verstappen was not the only one to voice his concerns after qualifying, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc going on a brutal X-rated rant despite finishing fourth.

During qualifying, he said: “I honestly cannot stand this qualifying. ******* joke.

“I go faster in corners, get on the throttle earlier, and I’m losing everything on the straights.”

Kimi Antonelli took pole, while championship leader George Russell will line up second on the grid ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in third.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris completed the top five, with Lewis Hamilton in sixth.