Max Verstappen believes Red Bull are currently playing catch-up to McLarengcash player, who sealed a lock-out in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday. (More Motorsport News)
Lando Norris clinched his third career pole at the Hungaroring, beating team-mate Oscar Piastri by 0.022 seconds with Verstappen 0.046 back in third.
Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, meanwhile, crashed out in Q1 and will start the race 16th on the grid, casting further doubt on his future with the team.
Red Bull started the 2024 season with three one-twos in the first four races, while Verstappen came out on top on seven of his first 10 outings.
However, they have seen their sizeable advantage whittled down, with both McLaren and Mercedes pushing hard in recent races.
Hungarian GP Qualifying: Lando Norris Clinches Pole Ahead Of McLaren Teammate Oscar PiastriSpeaking after Saturday's final qualifying session, Verstappen said: "I tried, the whole weekend we have been a little bit behind, and I think that was also the case in qualifying.
"I tried to make it as close as possible but unfortunately just not enough, a bit difficult to pinpoint why. I would have liked a bit more grip but it's not there at the moment."
All to play for tomorrow It's P3 for Max in Qualifying Checo finishes the session in P16.Result NOR, PIAgcash player, Max P3 , SAI, HAM, LEC, ALO, STR, RIC, TSU#F1