Max Verstappen has set himself a clear objective for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season: win at least one Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver came close in Baku, finishing in a sprint to the line with George Russell, and believes there are still opportunities to end his wait for a victory before the campaign is over.
The four-time world champion also welcomed Fernando Alonso’s decision to remain with Aston Martin for 2027, describing the Spaniard as a major source of inspiration when it comes to motivation and longevity in motorsport.
Max Verstappen still wants a Formula 1 victory in 2026
Max Verstappen narrowly missed out on his first victory of the season in Azerbaijan after fighting George Russell all the way to the chequered flag in Baku.
The challenge is unlikely to become any easier from this weekend in Malaysia. Mercedes is set to introduce its long-awaited updates at Sepang, while the arrival of an updated power unit featuring ADUO development is expected to further strengthen the Brackley team’s package.
That leaves the rivals facing a difficult task if they are to deny Mercedes another victory. Verstappen, however, made clear during his press conference that he has no intention of lowering his ambitions.
“We’ve had some good results in recent weeks, but I want to win. That’s why I’m here. I want to win at least one race this year,” Max Verstappen said.
Sepang could potentially present an opportunity. Rain is expected to be a factor over the Malaysian weekend, and changing conditions could make the competitive picture less predictable than it would be in a straightforward dry race.
The Malaysian round forms part of a packed final phase of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the championship moving quickly from Baku to Sepang and then Singapore.
Verstappen welcomes Fernando Alonso staying in Formula 1
Max Verstappen also reacted positively to Fernando Alonso’s renewed commitment to Aston Martin for the 2027 season.
“Fernando is a racing animal. I’m happy that he’s staying in F1; he’s an inspiration in terms of motivation,” the Red Bull driver said.
Alonso’s decision means the two-time world champion will continue competing at the highest level, and Verstappen suggested he can see himself continuing to race at a similar age, although perhaps not with the same intensity.
“Me like him? I think I’ll still be racing at 40, but with a level of commitment that won’t be comparable to his.”
Whether Verstappen really does ease off over the next decade remains to be seen, but there will certainly be little sign of that during October.
Max Verstappen adds GTWC race at Portimão to busy October
Verstappen’s schedule will extend beyond Formula 1 this month. During the only October weekend without a Grand Prix, the Dutch driver will also compete in the GT World Challenge at Portimão.
It underlines the appetite for racing that remains evident even during a difficult Formula 1 season. While the Max Verstappen campaign has not yet produced the victory he wants, his Baku performance showed that Red Bull can still challenge when the conditions and circuit characteristics allow it.
The immediate focus now switches to Sepang. With Mercedes bringing further developments and weather potentially adding another variable, Verstappen will be searching for the opportunity to turn his recent progress into the one result he still wants from 2026: a Grand Prix victory.
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