Max Verstappen has revealed that he is “feeling good” about his current position in Formula 1, sharing his thoughts on Red Bull’s struggles, the new regulations, and his future ahead of the summer break.
Key Takeaways from Verstappen's Update
- Max Verstappen says he is feeling positive about his F1 future, despite Red Bull’s challenging 2026 campaign.
- The four-time world champion remains focused on improving performance, rather than considering an immediate departure.
- Verstappen admits he can walk away if he chooses, but his passion for racing continues to drive him forward.
- Red Bull’s progress is showing an upward trend, with Verstappen aiming to help the team return to winning form.
Verstappen Opens Up on Red Bull Future Ahead of Summer Break
Red Bull and Verstappen have endured a difficult 2026 season, with the RB22 chassis falling short of expectations and proving challenging to set up and drive. However, the team’s first-ever Red Bull-Ford Powertrains engine has exceeded expectations, although its position within the ADUO upgrade system means Red Bull is unable to make further improvements to the power unit.
With Red Bull entering the summer break without a victory and sitting fourth in the standings, questions have continued to surround Verstappen’s future, including speculation over possible clauses in his 2028 contract. His dissatisfaction with the 2026 power unit regulations has also remained a key factor in discussions about his long-term plans.
Verstappen Still Motivated Despite Regulation Concerns
Despite ongoing speculation, Verstappen suggested that little has changed regarding his future in recent weeks. While he acknowledged that he could step away from racing at any time, the Dutchman made it clear that his passion for competition remains strong.
Comparing his situation with Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, Verstappen explained that age plays a role in their different perspectives.
"Of course, Fernando is 45, so it's probably a bit easier for him to say: 'I quit,'" Verstappen said. "But as a real racer, it's tough, especially when you're not enjoying the regulations and you're not competitive at the moment. Fernando, of course, doesn't deserve to be in P21."
"I'm of course 28 years old, so it's a little bit different. I mean, of course I can easily stop, it's not a problem, but I love racing, and I'm just trying to deal with what we have, even though what we have at the moment is not what I like."
Focus Remains on Improving Red Bull’s Performance
Verstappen’s main priority remains helping Red Bull improve its competitiveness. While he has concerns about the current regulations, the Dutchman believes the team’s own performance is the immediate area that requires attention.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen and team-mate Isack Hadjar struggled with confidence in an unpredictable car. However, Verstappen still managed strong race pace to finish second, highlighting the mixed nature of Red Bull’s season so far.
"I am feeling good from my side, but I'm saying that there is nothing to say because there is nothing going on," Verstappen explained. "I'm just focused on trying to get the most out of the car and that's already complicated enough to deal with."
Red Bull Relationship Remains Strong
Despite the challenges, Verstappen emphasized his strong bond with Red Bull, describing the team as a second family while continuing to work towards unlocking more performance from the car. Verstappen believes Red Bull’s progress is moving in the right direction and hopes the team can continue building momentum after showing signs of improvement.
