Verstappen Gets F1 Reality Check from Ex-Driver

Max Verstappen is enduring a challenging 2026 season with Red Bull. Four world titles don't make things easier—this is where the real test begins.

Former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson has reminded everyone that the sport's reality never changes: to be world champion, you need the fastest car. “I can understand the frustration,” Johansson told the official F1 website. “If you don't have the car, you're not going to win. There's never been a World Champion that didn't have the best car. That's the reality of it.”

Verstappen is still impressive, but Max Verstappen has yet to taste victory in the first 11 races of the season. Four podiums and 109 points are solid, but far from his usual standard. Red Bull Racing now has only the fourth-fastest car on the grid, trailing Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.

Baca JugaPerez Siap Gantikan Sainz di Williams untuk F1 2027

Reliability issues have also plagued Red Bull's transition to becoming a works engine manufacturer. Power unit and rear-wing failures have occurred, making development of the RB22 bumpy. However, there are signs of progress: the gap to Mercedes, once over a second, has shrunk to just a few tenths.

Johansson believes Verstappen remains “unbelievably good” and is “still creating miracles” nearly every race. Yet a winless season is nothing new for the Dutchman. In 2017, he endured a mid-season win drought before eventually triumphing in Malaysia and Mexico.

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs through 2028, but exit clauses allow him to leave at the end of this season. “I'm sure there's no shortage of options,” Johansson added. “Every team would give their right arm to have him in the car.”

With Sepang returning to the calendar, can Verstappen repeat history from 2017? Or will the pressure mount? The season is still long, and Red Bull clearly has a big homework assignment.