Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Max Verstappen wants to win at least one Grand Prix this season, but realises Mercedes’ upgrade could make that task more difficult.
The Dutchman, who turned 29 this week, has enjoyed an improved run of form, scoring more points across the last three Grands Prix than Ferrari and McLaren have managed as teams. However, podium finishes have not changed Verstappen’s main target.
“I’m trying everything I can. We are scoring quite a few podiums now but I want to win,” Verstappen told media, including GPblog, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
“That’s what I’m here for and I’m getting close. I want to win at least one race this year, so I hope it happens at some point.
Verstappen came close to that goal in Azerbaijan, where he believed Red Bull had a genuine chance to win if it were not for the engine issues that he suffered during qualifying.
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However, Mercedes’ new package could further complicate the task. Asked whether the upgrade would make it harder to close the gap, Verstappen replied: “Yeah, probably. Normally, you should go faster when you bring an upgrade. With them being at the pace they already are it will probably be very tricky but doesn't matter, every weekend we will try and do our best."
Verstappen positive over Red Bull updates
Red Bull brought upgrades of their own to Baku, with Verstappen encouraged by the early signs. Still, he believes the team must wait for a wider range of circuits before judging how much progress has been made.
“We had some solid results. I also think the parts we put on the car in Baku worked well,” he explained.
“But we also know Baku has always been quite a good track to us. It’s quite unique with those 90-degree corners. You don’t really have many high-speed corners.”
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With the championship no longer a realistic objective, Red Bull will use the remaining rounds both to chase a first win of the campaign and to learn more about its car for next season.
“We are not fighting for the championship anyway, so it is a big learning curve,” Verstappen said. “But the last few weekends have, of course, been much better than the start of the season.”
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 302 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 236 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 199 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 186 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 179 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 163 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 120 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 86 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 59 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 41 |
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