Max Verstappen admitted to being quite critical of the new Formula 1 rules, but praised Red Bull Racing’s performance and the work done in developing their own new engine, through Red Bull Powertrains-Ford.
Read more F1: Check the weather forecast for the Chinese GP
“I am very negative about the rules, but I feel really proud of the team and also the engine,” the Dutch driver stated.
The 2026 season marked a significant challenge for Red Bull, with the construction of its own power unit. In the first GP of the year, Isack Hadjar qualified in the top three, while Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad from Racing Bulls scored the first points for the new engine.
“We have potential in the car, for sure. On the engine side, I think we are not that bad. At the moment, where we are losing pace is half and half, being half car, half engine, which is not bad. These are things that can be overcome, it’s not shocking,” Verstappen commented.
Read more F1: Bortoleto believes Audi will have a very competitive engine in the future
The Dutchman also highlighted the team’s effort: “The guys did an incredible job for us to be where we are, competing with McLaren, with a Mercedes engine. If we improve a little, we can fight a bit further ahead. Then, suddenly, the world looks a bit better. The rules are still the same, but the world looks a bit better in terms of competitiveness. I hope that in a few races we can take a small step forward,” he added.
Regarding Red Bull’s position on the grid, Verstappen stated that the team is currently behind Mercedes and Ferrari: “It’s always impossible to know, but I think after the tests we were already in this position, P3-P4 as a team, and I think it’s not that bad,” he completed.
Read more F1: “Trying to be like us is a mistake”, stated Formula E co-founder
