Max Verstappen ‘not overly concerned’ about the situation at Red Bull

Verstappen’s Championship Streak in Jeopardy

Since 2021, Max Verstappen has been the standout figure in the F1 world. That year, he clinched his first Driver’s Championship in a nail-biting showdown against Lewis Hamilton. Fans still remember that finale, which came down to the very last lap. He went on to win the championship again in 2022 and 2023, even managing to secure it last year despite McLaren’s impressive MCL38 package.

This year, though, things look a bit different for Verstappen. As he approached the summer break, he found himself with only 187 points—88 behind Lando Norris and 97 behind the leader, Oscar Piastri.

In recent weeks, Norris and Piastri have been trading victories, with the McLaren duo scoring four consecutive one-two finishes leading into the break.

Verstappen, on the other hand, claims he isn’t too worried about his standings in the championship.

In a conversation with Lawrence Barretto, Verstappen opened up about his current status with Red Bull and his future in F1. “You need to accept where you are,” he stated, acknowledging the team’s position, which has them fourth in the Constructors Championship. “Yeah, we aren’t the fastest right now, but we’re not the slowest either.”

“We always strive for improvement, just like when we were winning. These days, not so much,” he added, reflecting on the team’s challenges. “Next year brings new regulations, so I’m really trying to wrap my head around the car to find extra time. There’s still so much to learn this season.”

It’s worth noting that Red Bull has recently undergone a significant change, parting ways with Christian Horner, their only team principal in history, and promoting Laurent Mekie after the British Grand Prix. This shift has led to speculation that Verstappen might be considering a move to Mercedes.

He addressed these rumors before the break, emphasizing his dedication to his “Red Bull family.” “It’s been fantastic being part of this team for so long,” he remarked. “It feels like a second family, after achieving so many incredible things, including winning the championship together.”

Despite the chatter, Verstappen remains focused on his future with Red Bull. “The issue is, while I’m not talking much, there are plenty of people who are. Honestly, there’s no real need for all that noise,” he said. “It’s not helpful—it’s a waste of time. I’ll stay concentrated on ‘26 with my team, make sure we nail the regulations, and come out strong.”

Many believe Red Bull can recover from this season’s setbacks. Verstappen noted, “When I joined, the team was in a bit of a rebuilding phase after previously winning the championship. Now, we’re going through another slight reconstruction. We’re still a very strong team, and I believe we have a better understanding to bounce back.”