Max Verstappen targets at least one F1 win in 2026 after a run of podiums

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Max Verstappen has set a clear objective for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season, telling media during media day at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia that he is aiming to “at least win one race this year.” Speaking after multiple podium finishes, the four-time World Champion said he is encouraged by recent form but stressed that more is needed to convert strong weekends into victories.

Verstappen linked his improved results to a period of progress for Red Bull after a comparatively challenging first half. Red Bull currently sit fourth in the Teams’ Championship, and the team’s latest momentum was reflected by a 2-3 finish for Verstappen and team mate Isack Hadjar at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Verstappen said he narrowly missed his first win of the campaign there, crossing the line less than two tenths behind winner George Russell.

During the Bahrain media day, Verstappen also addressed the competitive picture with Mercedes, stating that while he has been scoring heavily, Red Bull have not been outpacing the Silver Arrows for outright speed. “Unfortunately, we’re not outscoring Mercedes,” he said, adding that Mercedes had been fastest for much of the season and that he is continuing to “try everything I can” to change that outcome. He said recent weeks have delivered “quite a few podiums,” but reiterated that winning remains the priority.

Verstappen said he expects the remaining races in 2026 to serve not only as opportunities for results but also as preparation for next year. He noted that Red Bull must “wait a little bit now” to understand how the car performs on different types of tracks, arguing that learning across venues is valuable because Red Bull will “probably learn” what it needs for the 2027 campaign. With Red Bull not currently in a championship fight, he described the rest of the season as a “big learning curve.”

Asked whether developments for 2027 are a key motivator, Verstappen responded that it likely is. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes’ pace and referenced the likelihood that an upgrade would make the team faster. “Normally, if you bring an upgrade, it should go faster,” he said, while adding that Red Bull will continue to do “our best” each weekend and then assess the results.

Verstappen also drew on personal experience from Malaysia, noting that he was the most recent driver to win at the Sepang International Circuit during its last F1 event there in 2017. He said he “always enjoyed racing here” and described the circuit as physically demanding due to hot conditions and degradation, while praising the track layout and calling his memories of the event “great.”