Max Verstappen frustrated with ‘crazy’ Red Bull issue at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen endured a lacklustre qualifying session ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, slumping to sixth place behind his teammate Sergio Perez.

The three-time world champion lacked raw speed over a single lap in qualifying and was six-tenths of a second slower than pole-sitter Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen’s championship advantage has been reduced to 62 points, but the Dutchman was given a boost as his nearest rival, Lando Norris, was eliminated in Q1.

The reigning champion complained of an issue with his car in the early stages of the first part of qualifying, particularly at the rear of his Red Bull.

Verstappen was far from impressed and expressed his frustration over the team radio broadcast.

Max Verstappen explained his Red Bull was ‘jumping around like crazy’ at the Baku City Circuit

The Red Bull has lost the performance advantage it enjoyed at the start of the season and has been slower than McLaren and Ferrari in recent races.

Verstappen and Sergio Perez have begun grappling with a car that is very difficult to drive and challenging to consistently run on the limit.

The Dutchman will now have a difficult task during Sunday’s 51-lap race to score a podium finish with Ferrari and McLaren looking superior to Red Bull.

READ MORE: How McLaren will be ‘more than happy’ despite Lando Norris qualifying horror at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Verstappen was not happy with the balance of his car in the opening stages of qualifying and he failed to challenge for pole position.

He said on the team radio: “The car is jumping around like crazy on the rear axle.”

This is a major problem on a circuit that requires a car that gives the driver confidence.

Max Verstappen’s title challenge was given a boost by Lando Norris’ poor qualifying

Verstappen and Red Bull have been consistently slower than McLaren in recent races, but Norris, the Dutchman’s closest title challenger, suffered a lacklustre in qualifying.

The British driver got knocked out in Q1 and will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 17th place after confusion over a yellow flag, although McLaren will be happy in Baku.

It will be a tricky race for Norris who has to keep out of trouble and quickly pick his way through the backmarkers.

Verstappen has been given a lifeline after a subpar weekend for Red Bull as McLaren made a vital error in qualifying, squandering a quick car with Norris.