Verstappen’s Birthday Wish? A Win Before the Year Is Out.
Fresh from turning 29, Max Verstappen has a clear target for the rest of 2026: turn Red Bull’s improving form into at least one Grand Prix victory.
Max Verstappen got the birthday cake. The race win is still missing.
The four-time champion turned 29 on September 30 and celebrated with his Red Bull teammates at Sepang. A day after his birthday, he made clear that recent podiums haven’t satisfied his appetite.
“I want to at least win one race this year,” Verstappen said ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Second place in Madrid and Baku has brought him closer. In Azerbaijan, he finished just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. But with October underway, Verstappen is still chasing his first Grand Prix victory of 2026.
Closer, but Mercedes is still ahead
Verstappen believes the parts Red Bull introduced in Baku worked well. The recent results offer encouragement, although he cautioned that Azerbaijan’s unusual layout has traditionally suited the team.
Sepang presents a different test, with faster corners and demanding tire management. Red Bull still needs to establish whether its progress carries across a wider range of circuits.
Mercedes remains the obstacle. Asked about his strong recent points haul, Verstappen immediately noted that he wasn’t outscoring the championship-leading team. Its planned upgrade could make catching it harder still.
Winning now, learning for next year
Verstappen said Red Bull’s remaining races would also help shape its understanding of what next year’s car needs. With the championship out of reach, there’s value in discovering where the current package works and where it falls short.
That hasn’t softened his immediate ambition. Asked which circuit might offer the best opportunity, he pointed to the uncertainty created by rivals continuing to develop their cars.
Sepang holds happy memories: he won F1’s last race here in 2017. This weekend, he returns with improving form and a much simpler target than another title. One win would be a start.
