The unthinkable is becoming a real possibility for Max Verstappen: an F1 season without a single victory. For the reigning three-time champion, that would be a stark departure from the dominance fans have come to expect. Now, the Red Bull ace faces a major challenge, with even the new Madrid Grand Prix offering no guarantees of a turnaround.
Key Points: Max Verstappen's F1 Season Struggles
- Max Verstappen admits there is a genuine threat of a winless F1 season for the first time since his 2015 debut.
- The Red Bull star believes even a "driver's track" like the new Madrid GP circuit cannot make up for a lack of car performance.
- Verstappen and Liam Lawson compared the unforgiving Madring with the dangerous Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
- Safety concerns remain around the Madring, with Williams Team Principal James Vowles calling it a "car killer."
Champion's Candid Confession
Asked about the possibility of going winless in F1, Verstappen offered a typically blunt response: “I'm obviously never going to say that out loud!” His cautious stance is notable given that a similar declaration last year was followed by a dominant second half of the season. However, he acknowledges that the situation is different this time around.
“Every time I’m in the car, I always go for the maximum,” Verstappen said. “If the opportunity comes to win a race, then of course I’ll go all out for it. But with how things stand at the moment, that chance isn’t very big.” It is a sobering admission from a driver who has become accustomed to fighting at the front.
Madrid's New Test: A Driver's Circuit or Just Another Track?
The Machine Matters Most
Much of the excitement around the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix has focused on the IFEMA complex and the belief that driver skill could make a bigger difference there. Drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are often praised for their ability to adapt and extract extra performance, fueling hopes of a potential Red Bull upset.
Verstappen, however, remains unconvinced. “I mean, you can make the story as beautiful as you want, right?” he said. “Driver’s track or not, at the end of the day you still need a fast car in Formula 1.”
For Verstappen, individual brilliance cannot overcome a fundamental lack of pace. Despite feeling he is performing well, the Dutchman knows that has not translated into victories. His view is clear: even a challenging circuit will not suddenly turn an underperforming car into a race-winning machine.
“As a driver, I feel good this year, but I'm not winning races. Does that mean I'm a bad driver or not quick enough? I don't think so.”
Navigating the Madring: Jeddah's Dangerous Twin?
The Perilous Chicane
Safety concerns around the Madring have grown following F3 testing, which produced a staggering 19 red flags. That prompted Williams Team Principal James Vowles to label the circuit a “car killer.”
Verstappen also acknowledged the potential dangers, comparing the new venue with the notoriously unforgiving Jeddah street circuit. “It could be,” Verstappen replied when asked about the circuit’s hazards. “In some places, when you have a tiny moment, it can result in a crash. But I mean, Jeddah is the same and we've spoken about that already before.”
Reserve driver Liam Lawson, temporarily with Red Bull, echoed Verstappen's view, pointing to the many blind corners shared by the two circuits. “The way these street circuits are built, the walls just sort of follow where the track goes and they're just very blind in a lot of places,” Lawson explained, noting the similar sensation despite Madrid featuring more lower-speed sections.
The chicane at Turns 5 and 6 is a particular concern. The non-straight braking zone adds another layer of difficulty, making it a critical section for every driver. “If you take too much of the first kerb, it’ll bounce you across the second kerb, which will then bounce you into the wall,” Lawson warned. “Trying to be accurate through a section like that is quite tough.”
Power Unit Ponderings
Lawson also discussed the potential limitations of the new 2026 power units at the Madring. While he acknowledged that the circuit is not a flat-out challenge like Monaco, he believes it provides more opportunities for driver influence than high-speed venues such as Monza. Still, the overall message from the Red Bull camp is cautious: driver talent can only go so far when the car is not performing at its best.
