Max Verstappen has expressed his goal to win at least one race this 2026 season, following several podium finishes, notably second and third places in Azerbaijan alongside his teammate Isack Hadjar.
The Red Bull driver, currently fourth in the team standings, acknowledged that Mercedes remains the fastest team, but he remains optimistic about his chances of victory before the season ends.
“I want to win, that’s why I’m here, and I’m getting close,” he said during the media day at the Malaysian Grand Prix. He also highlighted that the upgrades made to the car in Baku worked well, although the circuit was particularly suited to their style.
Verstappen also indicated that the upcoming races will be important for preparing the 2027 season, learning from different circuits and refining the car, as Red Bull is not in contention for the championship this year.
When asked about motivation related to 2027, he responded that the planned improvements at Mercedes, especially at the Bahrain Grand Prix, make it challenging to close the current gap.