The future of Max Verstappen with Red Bull is currently uncertain. The Dutch driver has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s current state.
This ongoing discontent has made Verstappen’s future a frequent topic of discussion. Reports suggest that his exit clause is active, allowing him to decide on his future and potentially leave Red Bull by the end of the year. This comes after a decade-long association, raising questions about his loyalty to the brand.
Examining the data from the 2026 F1 season reveals a concerning trend that might explain Verstappen’s hesitation to commit to the team.
Max Verstappen’s 2026 F1 Season
Points: 109 points
This is the lowest mid-season point tally since 2018. The first half of the 2026 season has been so disappointing that one must look back nearly a decade to find a comparable year in terms of points.
It is worth noting that 2018 was also the year Red Bull was using Renault power units.
Podiums: 4
To find a similar number of podium finishes, we again look back to the 2018 season. That year, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were title contenders, with Red Bull playing a supporting role, trailing the top two teams.
Wins: 0
The last time Verstappen entered the summer break without a win was in 2017, marking a decade since such a challenging season.
Position: P6
Verstappen’s current low standing in the championship table as the sport approaches the summer break hasn’t been seen since 2018, the final year of Red Bull’s partnership with Renault before transitioning to Honda power units.
The Worrying Pattern
Verstappen’s current performance metrics resemble a time when Red Bull was years away from becoming a championship contender, plagued by power unit issues and severe limitations.
In 2026, the team appears to be losing resources, with no significant new hires making headlines. Unlike 2018, when the main challenge was the power unit, the current team faces multiple obstacles.
These issues are why Verstappen remains hesitant to fully commit to Red Bull’s future, harboring serious doubts about the team’s prospects.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
