Max Verstappen did not hold back in his criticism at the lack of overtaking opportunities during the Australian GP, describing the race as "worthless".

The Dutchman endured a difficult afternoon at Albert Park as, rather than challenging the Ferrari's and Lewis Hamilton for the win, he found himself stuck behind Kevin Magnussen's Haas after the start and later Fernando Alonso following the Virtual Safety Car.

Once in clear air, teammate Daniel Ricciardo showed Red Bull's pace by battling with Kimi Raikkonen in the second half of the race and Verstappen was frustrated that he couldn't recover his lost positions to use that performance himself.

"It was like Monaco," the 20-year-old told the media after the race. "Even if you are a second or a second and a half faster, you still cannot pass. As a viewer, I would have turned off the TV and until something changes, it will stay that way."

Race organisers had previously considered whether changes to the street circuit in Melbourne were needed to improve overtaking and this year, a third DRS zone was included to try and boost opportunities.

Verstappen doubts it is the layout which is responsible for the lack of action, however.

"I think they should do something about the cars, because in the past, overtaking was no problem here," he claimed.

One man looking into ways to make the cars more raceable is managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn and the Briton reiterated the need to come up with solutions.

"Until we take a structured approach to the problem, we won't really make any progress," the former Mercedes boss said on Monday.

"The FIA and F1 are carrying out an aerodynamic research programme with two car models, both in the windtunnel and using CFD. We need to evolve a car design that achieves close to the level of performance we now see but permits wheel-to-wheel action.

"F1 fans want to see a better show and overtaking is the most exciting and spectacular element you can have on track," he added.

"The whole F1 community must make an effort to satisfy this need because the fans are our biggest asset."