Verstappen wants more consistency from Red Bull ahead of 2026

Max Verstappen concedes that it might not be possible for him to win another grand prix this season, but he wants to see Red Bull showing greater consistency ahead of 2026.

The defending champion has slipped 97 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri after a run of four races without a podium – albeit with a Sprint win in Belgium – and took just two grand prix victories in the first part of the year. While acknowledging he’s not in the title fight this year, Verstappen believes there are still important lessons to learn ovefr the remainder of the season, and pointed to improving the car’s predictability as a key target after the summer break.

“We always want a decent finish,” Verstappen said. “Of course, the focus for everyone is already a lot on to 2026. But what we need to try and achieve is more consistent behaviors and results at the end of the day.

“I don't know [if wins are possible]. After a weekend like [Hungary], it's very difficult to say. But you never know. There might always be surprises or whatever.”

Verstappen is also pragmatic about Red Bull’s struggles, saying it was inevitable his run of four consecutive championships would come to an end at some stage.

“I just stay neutral (about) everything. So I don't become overly optimistic or pessimistic or whatever," he said. "[Ahead of 2025] I was like: ‘Well, we'll see’. I hope, of course, that we can still win some races here and there. And we still did that. We still won two races. But, yeah, it is tough.

“But on the other hand, you also need to acknowledge that McLaren has done a fantastic job from last year to this year, too. And from our side, it's been a bit more difficult.

“[The recent form] is not a surprise, of course, if you look at the problems that we are having. At the other end, for four years, I've had really a lot of good results. So it comes and goes, success.”

One big recent change came in the form of Laurent Mekies replacing Christian Horner as Red Bull team principal. Verstappen believes Mekies has made a positive start in his new role.

“He's very open-minded," he said. "Of course, it will only get better and better – the communication that we have – but it's been going really well.”