Max Verstappen handed 'reality' check amid Red Bull frustration

Former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson has told Max Verstappen that the "reality" is that only drivers in the best cars win world titles, amid the Dutchman's frustration with Red Bull.

It has been a mixed 2026 campaign for Verstappen so far, with the four-time world champion failing to secure a race victory across the opening 11 races.

He has claimed four podiums and accumulated 109 points, but the 28-year-old has often voiced his frustration with Red Bull's RB22.

The new power unit regulations represent a major shift for the Austrian outfit, which has become a power unit manufacturer for the first time in its history.

With that have come several obstacles, primarily on the reliability front. Verstappen has suffered both power unit and rear-wing failures and has yet to commit his future to Red Bull beyond 2026.

Although contracted until the end of 2028, clauses in his contract allow Verstappen to leave at the conclusion of the current campaign.

Securing a fifth world title looks unlikely for Verstappen in what is only the fourth-fastest car, with Johansson believing there are plenty of options available should he decide to leave Red Bull.

"I can understand the frustration," Johansson told the official F1 website. "If you don’t have the car, you’re not going to win. 

"There’s never been a World Champion that didn’t have the best car. That’s the reality of it. He’s still creating miracles most of the time, and he’s still unbelievably good, obviously. 

"I’m sure there's no shortage of options [for him]! I think every team would give their right arm to have him in the car."