Verstappen Handed 'Reality' Check Amid Red Bull Frustration

Max Verstappen has been unafraid to criticise Red Bull this season, and former F1 driver Stefan Johansson believes the champion must have several options on the table. Verstappen is enduring a difficult 2026 campaign, having failed to win any of the first 11 races.

Johansson, who raced in F1 during the 1980s, says the "reality" for Max Verstappen is that only drivers in the best cars win world titles. The comments come amid Verstappen's frustration with Red Bull's performance this season.

Verstappen has managed just 109 points with four podiums, and has often voiced his discontent with the RB22. The new power unit regulations represent a major shift for Red Bull, which has become a power unit manufacturer for the first time. Reliability issues have plagued the team, with Verstappen suffering both power unit and rear-wing failures.

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Verstappen's contract runs until 2028, but clauses allow him to leave at the end of 2026. With the car currently estimated as only the fourth-fastest, a fifth title looks unlikely. Johansson is convinced Verstappen would have plenty of offers should he decide to depart.

"I can understand the frustration," Johansson told F1's official 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. He's still creating miracles most of the time, and he's still unbelievably good, obviously."

"I'm sure there's no shortage of options [for him]! I think every team would give their right arm to have him in the car," Johansson added. The situation is fueling speculation about Verstappen's future, with several top teams reportedly ready to welcome him.

The pressure is now on Red Bull to prove they can still provide a car worthy of Verstappen. If not, losing the world champion could become a bitter reality for the Austrian team.