Following the disappointment of the British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is ready to turn his attention to one of the most iconic races on the Formula 1 calendar. The four-time world champion heads to Spa-Francorchamps determined to bounce back, although he admits the Belgian circuit could present fresh challenges under the 2026 technical regulations, particularly when it comes to energy management along its long straights.
Tension remains high after Silverstone
Red Bull has endured a difficult period since the Silverstone weekend, where Max Verstappen’s late-race spin capped another frustrating outing for the Milton Keynes-based team. The Dutch driver has already voiced his dissatisfaction with Formula 1’s new technical regulations throughout the opening half of the season, while the lack of victories has only added to the growing frustration.
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has also intensified in recent days, with several rumours linking him to a possible departure from Red Bull. McLaren has emerged among the teams reportedly connected with the reigning world champion, although the focus now shifts back to racing as the Belgian Grand Prix approaches.
Verstappen returns to his favourite Formula 1 circuit
Despite the off-track speculation, Verstappen’s full attention is now on Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit he has often described as his favourite on the Formula 1 calendar. The Dutchman, who also holds Belgian citizenship, arrives at a venue where he enjoyed a remarkable run of three consecutive Belgian Grand Prix victories between 2021 and 2023.
For this weekend’s race, Verstappen will also wear a special Orange Lion helmet in tribute to his supporters.
“It was nice to have a little break and, even though Silverstone was a difficult weekend, I was back at the factory with the team last week working in the simulator,” he commented. “Looking ahead to Spa, it’s my favourite circuit on the calendar and it’s always great to come back here. I think it could be more complicated with the energy management limitations on the straights, but historically we’ve always had good results here, so you never know what can happen.
“I’ll be racing with my special Orange Lion helmet again, as a tribute to the fans. They are incredible here and have given me tremendous support over the years.”
Hadjar expecting another demanding weekend
After remaining in England following Silverstone to participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Isack Hadjar is also preparing for his first Belgian Grand Prix as a Red Bull driver. Like Verstappen, he expects Spa to present significant technical challenges under the current regulations.
“I spent last weekend at Goodwood, where I had the opportunity to drive both the RB17 and the RB9. As a driver, you live for the sound of those cars, so it was fantastic to be there,” Hadjar said.
“Heading into this double-header, I know both the team and I will give everything before the summer break. I’ve been delivering consistent results throughout the European races so far, and I want to continue that trend by scoring more points.
“Spa is a historic circuit and, although it will feel different under these regulations, it represents a new challenge for us as drivers. It shares several characteristics with Silverstone, so we don’t expect to be at the front, but we hope we’ve learned valuable lessons there that we can apply this weekend.”
With unpredictable weather, demanding energy management and one of the fastest layouts in Formula 1, Spa-Francorchamps promises to be another crucial test for Red Bull as Verstappen looks to put the frustrations of Silverstone behind him and return to fighting at the front.
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