Why Max Verstappen and Red Bull should never be written off

After two races, Red Bull’s situation appears bleak; however, it would be a serious mistake to write off the Austrian team — and the crown’s turbulent diamond, Max Verstappen — after just two rounds.

A dramatic shift in mood took place at Red Bull between the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix held a week later. 

At Albert Park, Verstappen finished sixth, while new signing Isack Hadjar retired due to a technical issue following a promising qualifying session. 

The team travelled to Shanghai — host of the season’s first sprint — with cautious optimism, only for total lethargy to follow. From the very beginning, Verstappen stressed that nothing was working properly, and Sunday’s verdict was painfully clear: no pace, no grip, no tyre management.

Verstappen’s frustration is perhaps the clearest indicator of just how poorly the Chinese weekend unfolded for Red Bull. Even so, it would be wrong to write off the team’s season at this stage. 

There are several compelling reasons for this, not least the significant differences between the two venues. 

According to the unanimous view within the paddock, Melbourne is one of the most challenging circuits for the new 2026 car, while Shanghai’s characteristics are among the most favourable. 

We have yet to see the transition between the two, and we are still at the very start of the season — a period when, as we have already seen, other teams are also encountering issues. One need only think of reigning champions McLaren, who recorded a double DNF.

What offers hope?

If we take a balanced view of reality, several factors emerge that provide grounds for optimism. First and foremost, Verstappen pointed out that the downturn in Shanghai was primarily related to the car rather than the power unit. 

The situation would look far more alarming if the opening two races had exposed fundamental engine-related issues. Naturally, there is still work to be done in that area, but the RB22 is a different matter entirely. 

Last season demonstrated clearly that the Milton Keynes engineering team, with its considerable know-how, is capable of extraordinary progress — even if not miracles. 

At the start of last summer, few believed Verstappen would remain in contention for the world championship, yet the team produced a major turnaround through a shift in approach and fine-tuning of the car. 

Although we are now at the beginning of a new regulatory era, it would be a grave error to assume they are incapable of repeating such a feat.

A key element in this story is Verstappen himself. The four-time world champion was, for the first time since the start of the new season and era, truly outspoken after the Shanghai race. He bluntly highlighted the team’s current problems with his usual honesty and without holding back. 

Based on what was seen on track, it was clear to everyone that the Dutchman was not exaggerating — a view supported, for example, by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who described the driver’s weekend as a "horror show". 

However, speaking openly about visible issues should not be confused with turning against the team. Among those present in the media zone last Sunday, there was no one who interpreted Verstappen’s comments as an attack on the team or as a sign of distancing himself from it.

United, but under pressure

Verstappen is clearly troubled by the problems, but he tends to become vocal only when he senses a lack of urgency in addressing them. There is little indication of that at present. 

Following the changes made last year, the team appears more unified than at any point in the recent past, while the driver is working relentlessly, and there are no signs of internal division. 

The current difficulties may be linked to the prolonged campaign of the previous season, but leadership remains in capable hands. Team principal Laurent Mekies is characterised by an engineering mindset, an analytical approach, humility, and hard work — qualities that are especially vital now. 

The Frenchman, who took charge of the team less than a year ago, is facing his toughest challenge yet, but he appears to enjoy the full confidence of both senior management and the drivers.

The pressure is immense, but Mekies has already proven himself over the past year, giving no reason to doubt the direction being taken. 

After the turnaround achieved during last year’s summer break, it would not be surprising if Red Bull’s situation looks very different following the enforced April pause.