Verstappen Wants At Least One Win in 2026 — Mercedes Is Probably Already Drawing Up a Bigger Upgrade in Response
The four-time world champion isn’t hiding his ambitions for the rest of the season: even though Red Bull sits only fourth in the Constructors’ Championship after a difficult first half of 2026, Verstappen insists that one win before the year is out isn’t asking for much.
In Baku he finished less than two-tenths behind race winner George Russell, as the team banked a strong 2-3 result alongside Isack Hadjar. “I want to win. That’s what I’m here for, and I’m getting close,” Verstappen said, adding plainly that he wants “to at least win one race this year.”
The Dutchman admits Mercedes remains the benchmark for pace, but argues the new parts introduced in Baku are already working and the team is seeing genuine progress race by race. He’s also realistic about where Red Bull stands: no longer fighting for the title, the remaining rounds are really about gathering data for 2027 across different types of circuits.
One detail that won’t help his cause: Mercedes’ upcoming upgrade for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia will, in Verstappen’s own estimation, likely stretch their advantage further — making the title fight “very tricky” for anyone not wearing silver. Sepang, a track he last raced back in 2017, at least brings back fond memories. That much he can bank on.
Source: formula1.com (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/im-getting-close-verstappen-determined-to-win-at-least-one-race-in-2026.cBMqZdtsYyPFxZjQfE8Iu)
