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Max Verstappens gesture to F1 rival during Japanese Grand Prix sums up his nightmare

Max Verstappen showed his frustration during another disappointing weekend when the four-time world champion was overtaken during the Japanese Grand Prix

[Max Verstappen]

Max Verstappen's frustrations continued at Suzuka

Max Verstappens frustration at being overtaken by Pierre Gasly during the Grand Prix was obvious as he waved at the overtaking Alpine.

The four-time world champion is enduring one of the most difficult starts to a season at Red Bull as he could only finish in P8 at the Japanese Grand Prix after failing to reach Q3 in Qualifying on Saturday.

Red Bull are significantly off the pace of Ferrari and McLaren and are a long way behind front-runners Mercedes just three races into the new regulations. Verstappen has been outspoken in his anger at the regulations, but those grievances continue to grow week by week.

[Max Verstappen]

Max Verstappen waved at Pierre Gasly as he was overtaken

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Verstappen called his Red Bull undriveable and said he was beyond frustrated after his shock Q2 exit on Saturday. Things did not improve much on Sunday as the Dutchman again vented in his post-race interview.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Verstappen said: I dont think it was very good. Yesterday was a disaster, today in the race I just maximised my race. The feeling in the car is exactly the same as qualifying, Im just trying to hang onto it basically, in the race.

Verstappen also confirmed to Viaplay that he did wave at Gasly when the Alpine passed him on the pit straight, before admitting his frustrated mindset: "All of a sudden, Im going fifty kilometres slower here. I was counting down the laps. Fifteen to go, ten to go, five more, come on. Yeah, thats it.

[Max Verstappen]

Verstappen and Red Bull have one month to address their current problems

I was already stuck behind him in China. In China I was stuck behind a lot of cars. You just cant make a proper overtake. Yes, you can overtake, but then youve got no battery left for the next part. I try to laugh about it, because being frustrated all the time doesnt help either.

F1 now has a month-long wait until the next race weekend in Miami on the first weekend of May after the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to the Middle East conflict.

When asked how he planned to spend his break, Verstappen replied: I will do some more racing, some stuff that makes me smile.

At the same time speak to the team as well to try and find some more pace and more stable balance because this is not sustainable for us as well for a team. We really need to work hard to understand our problems and of course bring improvements.

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