Max Verstappen has admitted that Red Bull is already using its difficult 2026 Formula 1 campaign to put itself in a stronger position for 2027. Despite recently signing a lucrative new contract with the team, the four-time world champion remains dissatisfied with Red Bull’s current competitiveness and is at risk of completing his first season with the Milton Keynes squad without a Grand Prix victory.
The prospect has become increasingly realistic as the season has progressed. Red Bull has fallen behind Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari, while Max Verstappen remains without a win and the RB22 has struggled to consistently challenge the leading cars.
Max Verstappen says Red Bull is already preparing for 2027
Max Verstappen made no attempt to hide his frustration with Red Bull’s current level of performance when speaking to Carlo Platella. Instead, the Dutch driver explained that the team is treating the remainder of 2026 as an important opportunity to improve its position for next season.
“We’re still not happy with where we are at the moment. We definitely want to improve for next year. That’s also why we’re using 2026 to make sure we are in a better position with the car next year,” Max Verstappen said.
Red Bull’s problems have not been limited to one area. The RB22 has exposed weaknesses that Max Verstappen has struggled to work around, while the team’s first season with its new power unit has also provided an extensive learning process.
“Naturally, the engine will also be better. Step by step we will learn and hopefully that will push us in a better direction for the future.”
Max Verstappen unsure whether 2030 Red Bull deal will be his last
Max Verstappen recently committed his long-term future to Red Bull with a contract running through the end of 2030. However, the 28-year-old is not yet willing to predict whether that agreement will represent his final Formula 1 contract.
“Whether this will be my last renewal? I have no idea how I’ll feel in four years, but I feel good within the team and I have many projects outside F1,” Max Verstappen continued.
The new agreement provides Red Bull with important stability during a difficult period, although performance-related exit clauses remain part of Max Verstappen’s long-term situation.
Verstappen still believes Red Bull can return to winning ways
Despite the disappointment of 2026, Max Verstappen insists there is no lack of motivation inside Red Bull. The organisation has undergone several significant personnel changes, but the Dutchman remains encouraged by the direction of the work taking place behind the scenes.
“We all have the hunger and the desire to get back to the top. Obviously, there have been some changes in the team, but we are working towards that goal and I like what I see. Only time will tell what happens. But why shouldn’t we get back to winning? We’ve already shown that we know how to do it.”
Max Verstappen is therefore already looking towards next season with the objective of making a significant step forward. Red Bull’s development work throughout 2026 must increasingly be viewed with 2027 in mind, particularly given how the competitive order has evolved.
Mercedes has remained the benchmark, McLaren has made a decisive step forward and Ferrari has demonstrated greater consistency both on track and with its development programme. The result is a championship in which Red Bull has fallen away from the leading battle and Max Verstappen sits sixth in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.
For Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the immediate objective remains improving the RB22 wherever possible, but the bigger priority is becoming increasingly clear: ensuring the lessons from a difficult 2026 create the foundations for a much stronger challenge in 2027.
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