Max Verstappen believes there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for Red Bull Racing after securing second place in qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. The result marks a notable improvement compared to the team’s recent performances.
Verstappen will start alongside pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. Despite not taking pole, the Dutch driver admitted the front-row start exceeded expectations heading into the weekend.
"The car hasn’t been great in previous races, and I didn’t feel comfortable with it. But in recent weeks, the team has pushed hard with upgrades, and it’s starting to pay off."
From a technical perspective, Verstappen highlighted improvements in car balance and overall handling response. The combination of aerodynamic upgrades and setup refinements has allowed him to regain confidence, particularly under braking and corner exit phases.
"I feel more in control of the car again, which allows me to push more. The upgrades are clearly working."
However, Verstappen remains focused on key weaknesses, particularly race starts, which have been inconsistent throughout the season. A strong launch will be critical in maintaining track position against close rivals.
Weather conditions are also expected to play a significant role, with forecasts suggesting potential rain that could dramatically alter race dynamics. Verstappen acknowledged this as an additional challenge for the field.
"We need a good start first, as it hasn’t been great this year. Then we’ll see what the weather does."
With improved performance and renewed confidence, Red Bull appears better positioned to close the gap to its rivals. The Miami Grand Prix will be a key test of whether this progress can be translated into a stronger race result in the 2026 title fight.
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