Despite retirements and a delay in the standings, Max Verstappen remains measured. The Dutchman mainly calls for targeted adjustments on the new engine.
Read more Red Bull on the verge of implosion? The clear warning after the massive exodus
The start of the 2026 season is far from the usual standards for Max Verstappen and Red Bull. With only 12 points scored in three races and a retirement in China, the team is going through a delicate phase.
Several technical issues have slowed their momentum, notably an engine failure for Isack Hadjar in Australia, then a leak related to the ERS system on Verstappen’s car during the Chinese event.
These difficulties place Red Bull behind in the hierarchy, far from their status as a benchmark in recent seasons.
A new engine still in its break-in phase
This year marks a major turning point for the team, which is fielding its own engine developed in-house for the first time, in partnership with Ford.
This ambitious project, highly anticipated, showed promising signs during winter testing. But in real conditions, it is still perfectible.
Verstappen remains relatively calm about this situation. He insists that the pure performance of the engine is not the main weakness.
“The energy deployment is good, that’s not our biggest problem” he explains.
Adjustments rather than a rethink
The Dutch driver does not call for a revolution, but targeted improvements. He notably points out areas for progress on data correlation and engine calibration.
Read more Max Verstappen reacts to Lambiase’s departure and surprises with his support
“We need to better understand the deployment and be stronger” he specifies. A pragmatic approach that reflects his confidence in the overall potential of the project.
Verstappen also acknowledges that Red Bull is not yet at the reference level set by Mercedes, particularly strong in this area.
“They are very strong, so we still have work to do” he admits.
A young project that requires time
The four-time world champion reminds that this engine is still in its early competition stages. In this context, encountering problems is part of the development process.
“It’s a very recent project. Everyone is working hard and giving their best” he emphasizes.
Rather than giving in to panic, Verstappen adopts a long-term vision, convinced that progress will come with time and accumulated experience.
Overall room for improvement
Beyond the engine, Red Bull also has to deal with a car considered too heavy, a factor that directly impacts overall performance.
The goal is therefore twofold: to make the power unit reliable and optimized, while improving the chassis to fully exploit its potential.
Despite a mixed start to the season, Verstappen remains confident. His roadmap is clear: continue working, refine the details… and gradually return to the fight at the front.
Read more Oliver Bearman demands urgent changes after a terrifying crash at Suzuka