Max Verstappen voices Red Bull pride despite F1 struggles

Max Verstappen has stated he is “proud” of Red Bull’s F1 engine programme, which officially made its debut this year.

For the new cycle of regulations, Red Bull opted to develop its own in-house power unit for the first time, moving away from its previous strategy of sourcing engines from an external manufacturer.

The team has partnered with Ford, which has supported the project.

While the power unit has experienced some early issues, it has nonetheless enjoyed a solid start, with chassis-related challenges posing a greater concern for the team.

When asked about his impression of the set-up between Red Bull and Ford, Verstappen told media including RacingNews365: “It's good, but the engine factory has been here for a few years now. 

“The guys have been working flat out to try be where we are right now. 

“I think we're proud of the  job we have done as a whole team from the Red Bull side, and then, of course, the contribution as well from the Ford side.”

Red Bull is yet to secure a podium finish this season, but Verstappen has backed the project to take steps forward in the coming months.

“And that's what we'll just try to improve on, and like everyone else in the paddock, try to be better every single day,” he said.

“But I'm already very happy and proud of where we are. We'll just keep working to be better.”