Despite Red Bull’s recent problems and the challenges related to energy management, Max Verstappen remains confident ahead of a circuit where the team has often shone.
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After a particularly frustrating British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen wants to quickly turn the page. The Dutchman arrives at Spa-Francorchamps with a clear ambition: to regain performance on a circuit that traditionally suits him well.
The four-time world champion is coming off a difficult weekend at Silverstone. While he seemed on course to finish on the podium, his race ended a few laps from the finish after another failure of the rear wing flap on his RB22. An incident that greatly annoyed the Red Bull driver, who had described the problem as “super dangerous”.
This second consecutive failure after the one encountered in Austria has fueled questions about his future, while persistent rumors are sending him notably to McLaren for the 2027 season.
But far from being distracted, Verstappen assures he immediately got back to work with his team to prepare for the next event.
“It was good to have a little break, and even though Silverstone was a tough weekend, I went back to the factory with the team last week to work on the simulator” explained the Red Bull driver.
“Looking ahead to Spa, it’s my favorite circuit on the calendar and it’s always a pleasure to come back.”
Energy management, a major challenge for Red Bull
The Belgian event represents a real challenge for the entire grid with the new 2026 engine regulations. The long straights of Spa-Francorchamps make energy management particularly complex, an area in which Red Bull has experienced some difficulties this season.
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The Ardennes track could therefore once again highlight the weaknesses of the RB22, especially compared to rivals who are more efficient in exploiting their power units.
Despite this, Verstappen refuses to be pessimistic. For him, Red Bull’s history in Belgium is an important source of motivation.
“I think it could be more complicated with the limitations related to energy management on the straights, but we have historically achieved good results here, so you never know what can happen” he confided.
A circuit that brings back good memories for Verstappen
Spa holds a special place in the Dutchman’s career. He has won three Grand Prix there and regularly showed an impressive pace, even when Red Bull did not have the best car.
In a context where the confidence between Verstappen and his team seems fragile, a good result in Belgium could therefore represent a welcome breath of fresh air.
While speculation about his future continues to stir the paddock, the 28-year-old driver prefers for now to focus on the track. And at Spa, a circuit he appreciates more than any other, he hopes to remind why Red Bull remains a benchmark in the Ardennes.
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