Max Verstappen is hopeful about 2026, assures he is not in mood to quit Red Bull: “You can't always win everything"

Things may be going a little tough for Max Verstappen at Red Bull, but the driver has said that one “can’t always win everything”. He has also expressed hope that everything will be under control in 2026 when the new regulations are implemented. The current reigning F1 champion has once again made his stance clear, despite ongoing rumours suggesting he is planning a switch to a team that can offer him a faster car.
At present, the only cars faster than Red Bull’s are McLaren’s and, to an extent, Mercedes’. Verstappen, meanwhile, is struggling with balance and tyre issues at Red Bull, but the team is working on these gradually and the problems may be resolved within one or two races.
Speaking to the media after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, including PlanetF1.com, Verstappen acknowledged Helmut Marko’s concerns but sought to reassure him and his fans, saying, "People need something to write about. That's all I can say. And of course, whatever Helmut says... look, I think every driver wants to be in the fastest car – that's completely normal. But that doesn't mean you should run away if things don't go your way."
"We're still working on solving our problems and we're not where we want to be yet – but that's all you can do. You can shout about it, but that doesn't help. I'm just trying to do my best. It's very possible that in 2026 we'll have everything under control, but you can't always win everything," the 27-year-old assured.

Red Bull’s sporting director, Oliver Mintzlaff, also told the media that he is confident Verstappen will not leave the team. He said, “Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull and that he wanted to finish it there. As far as I know, nothing has changed. We have benefited enormously from Max, the best driver in the world, but the truth is that he also owes a lot to Red Bull.”
Despite being five races into the season, all is not lost for Verstappen. He has slipped from first to third position with 87 points. The two McLaren drivers – Oscar Piastri, who is currently on top with three wins this season, and his teammate Lando Norris, who sits second with one win – are ahead of him. However, just one race could push Verstappen back up to second, with the gap being only two points.
Also Read: Max Verstappen is mighty impressed with McLaren rival Oscar Piastri: “He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes”
Verstappen currently has one win (Japanese Grand Prix) and two podium finishes – second places in both Japan and Saudi Arabia. He came fourth in Bahrain, fourth in China, and sixth in Australia. Up next is the Miami Grand Prix from 2–4 May. Verstappen is also preparing for a major personal milestone, as he and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet are expecting their first child next month.