The successful partnership between Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team in Formula 1 faces a period of instability. With recurring failures in car performance and expressions of driver discontent, the 2026 season has been challenging. Last Sunday (5), the Dutchman had to abandon the British Grand Prix, reigniting complaints about the RB22 car.
Max Verstappen was on his way to the podium at the British GP until the 48th lap. While chasing Lewis Hamilton, who was in second position, the four-time champion driver lost control of his vehicle at the Stowe curve and ended up in the gravel escape area. This incident marked his third retirement in the category’s current season.
What happened at Silverstone brought to mind a previous accident by Verstappen during qualifying for the Austrian GP, at the Red Bull Ring circuit. The Dutchman himself indicated that both problems originate from failures in the rear wing, which compromise the car’s stability on high-speed sections.
“It was identical to what happened in Austria. A problem of a different nature, but with the same consequence. When entering the corner, the rear wing does not function fully, resulting in the loss of aerodynamic pressure and the exit from the track,” said Verstappen in an interview.
Continuous vehicle failures have become a source of great concern for Verstappen, not only because of the direct impact on his chances in the Drivers’ World Championship, but also for safety on the tracks, an issue that has gained increasing prominence in Formula 1 in recent years. The Dutch driver expressed his deep frustration with the situation and mentioned the need for a rest period to regroup before focusing on the next race.
“We have reached a limit where the situation becomes dangerous, with a real risk of more serious accidents. I was lucky to come out unscathed in Austria and now again, but that’s why we are exhausted by it all. I would be unrealistic if I showed optimism after what happened this weekend. I need a few days to recharge and try again,” concluded the champion.
Max Verstappen’s future at the Red Bull team in check
Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull is valid until the 2028 Formula 1 season, but contains clauses that allow early termination, conditioned on the team’s performance in the championship. For the year 2026, one of the goals established in the agreement foresees that the four-time champion will occupy, at least, second place in the Drivers’ World Championship until the mid-year break, which occurs after the Hungarian Grand Prix, in July. If this condition is not met, the pilot is free to terminate the contract free of charge.
With just two races left before the mid-season break, the four-time champion currently occupies seventh place in the general classification table. With a 78-point disadvantage to George Russell, who is in second place, meeting the contractual target has become mathematically unfeasible for Verstappen this year.
