McLaren talks, 'numb' cars and being 'captain of the ship' - Verstappen Q&A

Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, is currently reflecting on his 2026 season, where he has achieved five podium finishes but is still seeking his first victory. He recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030, although he acknowledges that performance issues with the car need to be addressed for future competitiveness. Verstappen has been candid about his frustrations with the current car's performance and the new engine regulations in Formula 1, expressing a desire for improvements in the coming years.

In addition to his F1 commitments, Verstappen has participated in endurance racing, notably the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where he experienced both success and disappointment due to a mechanical failure. He has engaged in discussions with other teams like McLaren but ultimately feels a strong connection to Red Bull, viewing it as his second family. Looking ahead, he is interested in competing in more endurance events, including Le Mans, ideally alongside experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso.