Max Verstappen believes Baku was Red Bull's best chance to win in F1 2026, but an engine issue in qualifying dashed those hopes. The Dutchman will start from eighth, though he remains confident of fighting for the podium.
A problem with the internal combustion engine cost Verstappen a good starting position. He acknowledged he probably couldn't match George Russell's pole time, but with a large gap behind him, a front-row start was likely. However, the engine issue made him lose half a second on the straights compared to teammate Isack Hadjar, compounded by a yellow flag for Lando Norris and battery problems.
Despite starting eighth, Russell still described Verstappen as the biggest threat for victory. When told of Russell's words, Verstappen smiled: "That's good, if he thinks that way! But seriously, they are really quick. I think they might be a bit too strong for us, though I'm going to give everything to fight for the podium."
Verstappen is clear that Mercedes will only get stronger with their Malaysia upgrade. "They are obviously getting an upgrade next week in Malaysia, so this was the chance to win. And we've certainly done a great job messing up that chance," he told Dutch media in Baku. He added that Mercedes can do even more with that upgrade, and while he never gives up, he has to be realistic.
Red Bull already has its final major upgrade of the year, while Mercedes will follow in Malaysia. Verstappen believes a standout result in Baku was on the cards. However, avoiding problems every weekend is also part of the job, and Verstappen concluded that Red Bull doesn't deserve it this way either.
"I felt good in the car and I was really on top of it all weekend," he said. "Maybe it wasn't as quick as Mercedes, but that has been the case all season. But I was in a good place and of course it's frustrating when you can't show it."
Verstappen was able to put things into perspective. He would like to win a race in 2026 to avoid his first winless year since 2015, and Baku represented an opportunity, but all the setbacks hurt less because he is not in the title fight.
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