Bruce McLarenMax Verstappen 
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen makes decision on racing series switch despite success of father JosMax Verstappen has decided against switching to rally car racing, citing safety concerns as a new father. Despite his father's success in rallying, including winning the Belgian Rally Championship in 2025, Verstappen believes the risks associated with rallying are too high, especially given the potential for serious accidents.
Verstappen has committed to Formula 1, having signed a new contract with Red Bull last month. He has explored other racing formats, such as GT racing, but maintains that rallying is not a viable option for him at this stage in his life. His family generally supports his racing decisions but would likely intervene if he pursued rallying.
gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via gpfans.comBaffling Max Verstappen F1 issue cannot be fixed admit Red BullRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has admitted that they are struggling to resolve a long-standing performance issue with Max Verstappen's RB22 car. Throughout the 2026 season, Verstappen has expressed concerns about the car's performance degradation, particularly at the rear, leading him to describe it as 'a car made of paper.' Despite efforts to investigate the problem, Mekies confirmed that they have not yet found satisfactory answers.
The issue has been ongoing and appears to have carried over from previous Red Bull models, even after the regulatory changes implemented this year. Mekies noted that while they have made some progress in understanding the problem, a complete resolution is unlikely before 2027. He emphasised that they are actively working on the issue and hope to build a foundation for future improvements.gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 08:45 UTC 
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen sparks drama with team order refusal - On This DayOn September 20, 2015, Max Verstappen made headlines during the Singapore Grand Prix by refusing to comply with team orders from Toro Rosso. At just 17 years old, Verstappen had already showcased remarkable skill by starting from the pit lane after stalling and fighting his way back into the points. As he battled for eighth place, the team believed his teammate Carlos Sainz had a better chance to overtake Sergio Perez and instructed Verstappen to swap positions. However, Verstappen firmly declined, insisting there was no reason to let Sainz pass since he had fought hard to regain his position.
After the race, Verstappen remained unapologetic about his decision, emphasizing his belief in his performance and the importance of his position. He humorously recounted that his father, Jos Verstappen, would have been upset if he had allowed Sainz to overtake him. This incident not only highlighted Verstappen's determination and confidence at a young age but also became a memorable moment in Formula 1 history.
RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson offers response to Max Verstappen 'numb' F1 car claimLiam Lawson has addressed Max Verstappen's comments regarding the new generation of Formula 1 cars, which Verstappen described as 'numb to driver inputs'. Lawson, who has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, acknowledges that he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda have adapted quickly to their new cars, but he believes the situation is more complex than Verstappen suggests. Lawson has achieved varying results in his races, including a sixth-place finish, while Tsunoda scored a point in Monza.
Lawson elaborated on the challenges of adjusting to the Red Bull car, noting that while the cars may appear easier to drive, there are personal adjustments that drivers must make. He emphasized that each driver has unique preferences and comfort levels in their cars, which can complicate the transition. Lawson's insights highlight the nuanced nature of adapting to new machinery in Formula 1, suggesting that the experience is not as straightforward as it may seem.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 UTC
