Verstappen reveals a recurring rear-end problem on the Red Bull

Max Verstappen was third in FP3 but only sixth in qualifying, 0.284s behind Gasly. Piastri’s penalty promotes him to fifth. Verstappen says the drop was not only about the balance issues seen on Friday: components at the rear of the RB22 can bind or deteriorate during a race weekend.

He says the problem appeared between FP3 and qualifying. When it happens, the car absorbs bumps and kerbs less effectively, bounces more and becomes harder to push at the limit. Verstappen says he has encountered the behaviour several times this season and that Red Bull has been trying to address this weakness for some time.

That matters for the race because the Red Bull looked significantly more competitive on Saturday morning than in Q3. If the team restores the FP3 behaviour, Verstappen starts close enough to join the lead fight. If the problem returns over a full stint, fifth on the grid could quickly become secondary.