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via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reveals what he's had to ‘accept’ at Red Bull amid Mercedes' dominance this seasonMax Verstappen has expressed his acceptance of Red Bull's current struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season, acknowledging that he cannot compete for the championship this year. With only eight races left, he risks finishing the season without a win, a situation he hasn't faced since his rookie year in 2015. He has had to settle for second place multiple times, sharing the record for the most second-place finishes with George Russell.
In a recent podcast appearance, Verstappen reflected on the challenges of not being in title contention, likening it to his early years in the sport. He remains focused on improving the team's performance and aims to return to competitive form next season. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is evident as he signed a new contract, while the team seeks stability in their driver line-up to regain their competitive edge.
Thu 1 Oct · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar outlines repeat Red Bull plan after 'huge step'Isack Hadjar is set to approach the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia similarly to his recent performance in Baku, where he achieved a podium finish after recovering from a wrist injury. He missed three races but returned to the RB22 cockpit, benefiting from Red Bull's significant aerodynamic upgrades.
Hadjar plans to take a gradual approach in Malaysia, focusing on acclimatising to the unfamiliar Sepang circuit. He expressed optimism about the upgrades that worked well in Baku but acknowledged the need to adapt to the different track layout in Malaysia.
Thu 1 Oct · 13:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen eager to avoid his first win-less season since F1 debut | Formula 1Max Verstappen is determined to secure at least one victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as he approaches the end of what could be his first win-less season since joining Red Bull in 2016. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes, he has not yet clinched a win this year, which has raised concerns as the season nears its conclusion.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating he is doing everything possible to win, but acknowledges the challenges ahead with only eight races left in the season. With uncertainty surrounding the final two races, he remains focused on breaking his win-less streak and achieving his goal of winning at least one race this season.
Thu 1 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar face grid penaltiesFranco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar have both been handed grid penalties for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Colapinto will incur a five-place drop due to a new engine, while Hadjar is also set for a grid penalty, although the specifics have yet to be confirmed.+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.
+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen determined to win ‘at least one’ race in 2026Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to win at least one race during the 2026 season, following a series of podium finishes. He noted that Red Bull Racing is currently in fourth place in the Teams’ Championship and has made progress in recent races, including a notable 2-3 finish in Azerbaijan.
Despite his success in podiums, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, who have been the fastest team this season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming races for learning and preparation for the next season, while also reflecting on his positive experiences racing at the Sepang International Circuit.
Thu 1 Oct · 07:57 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.
Thu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen hopes to avoid battles with Valentino RossiMax Verstappen expressed his desire to avoid on-track battles with Valentino Rossi during their upcoming GT3 race at Portimao. The four-time Formula 1 champion will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe series, marking his debut in this category.
+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comLaurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been credited with transforming the team's culture, which has reportedly helped Isack Hadjar thrive in his role. Will Buxton highlighted that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment with a more supportive atmosphere, allowing drivers to perform better without excessive pressure.
Hadjar, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2026, impressed in his first race back after recovering from a wrist injury, finishing third. The change in management style under Mekies is seen as a significant factor in lifting what was referred to as Red Bull's second seat 'curse', which had previously troubled the team in finding a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen.
Thu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto accuses Lando Norris of not acting like a ‘champion’ like Max VerstappenFranco Colapinto has expressed disappointment in Lando Norris' reaction to their crash during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, suggesting that Norris does not embody the qualities of a champion like Max Verstappen. Colapinto's comments came after he caused a three-car incident that eliminated both him and Norris from the race, leading to a heated exchange where Norris called for Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1.
Despite the initial outburst, Norris later apologised for his comments. Colapinto highlighted the difference in their reactions, noting that Verstappen has historically shown understanding towards younger drivers making mistakes, which he believes makes Verstappen a role model for aspiring racers. The situation has opened the door for further discourse as they approach the next race in Bahrain.Thu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The Dutch driver confirmed his next appearance in GT3 machinery following his recent Aston Martin deal.
+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via the-race.comIsack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto face grid penaltiesIsack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing has received a five-place grid penalty for using a new power unit element beyond his allocation at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Franco Colapinto from Alpine has been handed a 15-place penalty due to a collision he caused.
+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTCvia the-race.comLindblad, Hadjar and Colapinto face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, and Franco Colapinto will all receive grid penalties for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia due to power unit changes. Lindblad will start from the back of the grid after incurring a 30-place penalty, while Hadjar and Colapinto also face sanctions.+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTC
via the-race.comMax Verstappen to race GT3 in Portugal this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month, marking his return to GT racing. This will be his first appearance in GT3 machinery since the Nurburgring 24 Hours.+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has realised Liam Lawson was right about Max Verstappen after joining Red BullIsack Hadjar has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen after joining Red Bull Racing, echoing Liam Lawson's sentiments about the four-time world champion. Hadjar feels fortunate to be racing alongside Verstappen, describing him as a kind and supportive teammate who provides invaluable guidance early in his career.
Despite the challenges of competing against Verstappen, Hadjar is grateful for the opportunity and acknowledges the difficulty of the current Formula 1 landscape. Red Bull has confirmed that Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, making him only the second driver since 2018 to spend two or more seasons alongside Verstappen.Thu 1 Oct · 06:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen explains why his ‘pure pace’ was stronger as an 18-year-old F1 driver than nowMax Verstappen has shared insights on his racing evolution, stating that his raw pace as an 18-year-old was stronger than it is now, despite his extensive experience in Formula 1. He attributes this to a shift in his racing mentality, where he no longer feels the need to be fast all the time, focusing instead on optimising his race weekends.
During a podcast appearance, Verstappen discussed how his experiences and personal life have changed since his teenage years. He noted that as he matured, he became calmer and more strategic in his approach to racing, understanding when to push and when to hold back. This evolution reflects not only his growth as a driver but also the changes in his life outside of racing.Thu 1 Oct · 05:30 UTC
via f1technical.netRed Bull drivers report performance boost from upgradesMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing noted a significant improvement in performance following the team's recent upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The upgrades, which included a five-part package focused on enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, contributed to their competitive edge during the race.
Wed 30 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star admits hiding major injury after 'stupid' punchIsack Hadjar, the 22-year-old French driver for Red Bull Racing, has disclosed that he sustained a broken wrist while training, which led to him missing three races in his debut season. He revealed that the injury occurred during a boxing workout when he struck the bag without proper hand protection, describing the incident as a 'stupid' mistake.
After the injury, Hadjar returned to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he achieved a commendable third-place finish behind George Russell and Max Verstappen. He admitted to initially keeping the injury a secret for a day as he contemplated his options before eventually informing his team principal, Laurent Mekies.Wed 30 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.Wed 30 Sep · 15:30 UTCPage 5 of 36