Francesco Bagnaia was lost for words after finishing eighth in what he called a 'very strange' Austrian Grand Prix.

After winning the Austrian Grand Prix for the last three years, Francesco Bagnaia was expected to at least be on the podium this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

However, after showing podium pace on Friday and Saturday, the Italian finished the 28-lap Grand Prix in eighth place.

Bagnaia had shown 'fantastic pace' across Practice and went on to qualify on the front row of the grid, and in the early laps of the race, was in the podium fight.

But could not explain why he lost pace throughout the race and fell further and further back through the order.

"I honestly don't know what happened today," Bagnaia told TNT Sports after the Austrian Grand Prix.

"I started well, I started better, but then I was just slower than the guys in front of me. I have already checked my data from last year, and across the same race distance, I was 12 seconds faster last year.

"My feeling right now is really strange; it is difficult to explain because I am not consistent. In some sessions, I am the fastest and I have a fantastic pace, then in the race, I am super slow and I finish eighth.

"It is very strange."

The Italian was asked in what areas he is struggling with the Ducati GP25, and admitted that he is currently having issues with 'everything'.

"A bit in everything," he explained.

"Honestly, I do not understand."

Bagnaia still sits third in the MotoGP World Championship, but is now 43 points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi after his fellow Italian finished third at the Red Bull Ring.

The main issue for Bagnaia in the Championship standings is that he is now 197 points behind his teammate after 13 rounds of the season.