Verstappen targets first F1 win as Red Bull assesses progress

Max Verstappen says he is targeting at least one Formula One victory before the 2026 season ends, while acknowledging that Mercedes’ pace could make the goal difficult. The Red Bull driver said recent podium finishes have brought him closer, but the team is using the remaining races to assess its car and prepare for next season. Verstappen made the remarks ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He said Red Bull’s upgrades introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix appeared to work, but cautioned that Baku’s layout has suited the team and cannot establish how the car will perform at other circuits. He said upcoming races on different tracks should help the team identify what it needs from the car. Red Bull is not fighting for the championship, Verstappen said, and he described the rest of the season as a learning opportunity. He also noted that Mercedes had been the fastest team for much of the year. Asked about a Mercedes upgrade, he said it could make closing the gap more difficult, while adding that Red Bull would continue trying to perform at each race. Verstappen has recorded multiple podium finishes but is still seeking his first win of the season.