Four-time world champion. 29 years old. And a 2026 season unlike any of his previous four. The new technical regulations, the changed balance of power, a McLaren back at the top, and a Ferrari regaining its consistency: in 2026, Max Verstappen is experiencing what few champions have faced before him—an era of dominance interrupted by a complete overhaul of the technical rules. His response to this challenge will say a great deal about the rest of his career.
The standings after the British Grand Prix
Race by race: how Verstappen is staying the course
The 2026 season is not the 2023 season, when Verstappen and Red Bull dominated everything from March onward. This year, the battle is real, victories must be earned, and every Grand Prix is a negotiation with a McLaren and a Ferrari that have never been more competitive. Here are the key moments since the start of the season for the Red Bull F1 collection, which remains in high demand.
The new 2026 regulations: what changed for Red Bull
The 2026 season is the first under the FIA’s new technical regulations, notably featuring new engine regulations that profoundly change the balance of power in F1. Red Bull, which had used Honda engines since 2019 under the name Red Bull Powertrains, developed its own power unit to comply with this new framework.
The share of electric power rises to around 50% in the power unit, up from 20% previously. An advantage for teams with the best energy deployment.
The aerodynamic and structural regulations target cars 30 kg lighter than in 2025. An advantage for teams with the best chassis solutions.
Ford returns to F1 with Red Bull. Audi enters with Sauber. The engine supplier lineup has been reshuffled for the first time since 2014.
Reduced aerodynamic surfaces to limit wake effects and encourage overtaking. Less of an advantage for large technical organizations.
This may be the most difficult set of regulations I've had to master. But it is also the most interesting I've experienced.
Max Verstappen, 2026 Australian GP press conferenceThe competition: McLaren back at the top
While Verstappen still leads the championship, it is Norris and Piastri's McLaren that has given Red Bull the most trouble since the start of the season. After missing out on the 2025 title at the final race despite a dominant second half of the season, McLaren returned in 2026 with an MCL40 built around a new Mercedes engine and aerodynamics perfectly suited to the new regulations.
Leclerc and Ferrari, for their part, proved in the first three races that the Scuderia had finally solved the consistency problems that had hampered it since 2022. With a clean V6 engine and effective aerodynamics on different types of circuits, Ferrari is this year the third genuine title contender rather than the usual spoiler.
What's next: will Verstappen stay with Red Bull through 2028?
His contract with Red Bull runs through the end of 2028. But in the paddock, no one considers this contract an absolute guarantee. Since the beginning of the post-Newey era (the legendary technical director left Red Bull for Aston Martin in 2024), questions have remained about the team's ability to maintain its development level over several years.
Verstappen has always been clear: what matters to him is winning. If Red Bull gives him the car to do it, he stays. If not, the release clause in his contract could be triggered. Mercedes and Ferrari have approached him several times since 2024. For now, his eight wins at the halfway point of the 2026 season vindicate his loyalty to Milton Keynes. But the season is long, and Norris's pressure is not letting up.