Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have identified the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku as their most promising chance to secure a race win in the 2026 Formula 1® season so far. Despite introducing a significant upgrade package aimed at improving their car’s performance, the team acknowledged that they fell short of capitalizing on this opportunity.
At Baku, Red Bull brought a final major upgrade that included a new floor and revised sidepods, which helped enhance the car’s balance and race pace, particularly suited to the characteristics of the Baku City Circuit. Verstappen admitted that while the upgrades improved competitiveness, the team ultimately “messed it up” and could not convert the potential into a victory. Issues with car degradation and power unit deployment remained challenges, especially when compared to the performance of Mercedes.
Mercedes is expected to introduce its own upgrade package at the Malaysian Grand Prix, including enhancements to their ADUO power unit. Verstappen anticipates that these developments will make it even harder for Red Bull to claim race wins as the season progresses. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal, agreed that Baku was the most favourable track for the team this year but expressed cautious optimism about future opportunities to win before the season concludes.
Red Bull’s drivers have also commented on the car’s evolving performance. Isack Hadjar noted improvements in handling and braking compared to earlier races but acknowledged that the team still faces a power unit deficit relative to Mercedes. Verstappen’s remarks underline the ongoing challenge of managing tyre degradation and energy deployment effectively under the current regulations.
Mekies highlighted the importance of learning from the remaining races in 2026 to prepare for a stronger car next season, as major updates for the current year are no longer possible. A winless season would mark a rare occurrence for Verstappen and Red Bull, being the first since 2015. The team’s focus is therefore shifting towards maximizing development for 2027 while seeking any remaining chances to compete for victories this year.
While Baku offered Red Bull a track layout that played to their strengths, the combination of Mercedes’ ongoing improvements and Red Bull’s existing challenges means the path to race wins remains difficult. The situation reflects the fine margins and technical complexities teams face in the evolving landscape of Formula 1® competition.
Red Bull’s experience at Baku serves as a reminder of the competitive depth in the championship and the significance of strategic upgrades. The team’s cautious outlook emphasizes the need to adapt and learn from each race as they balance immediate results with longer-term development goals.