Verstappen explains Red Bull turnaround after failed Suzuka upgrade – Max Verstappen says Red Bull Racing has taken “a huge step” forward with its latest upgrade package following a challenging beginning to the 2026 season.
Speaking in Miami, the reigning world champion confirmed that the team’s second major update of the year has delivered meaningful progress, following an earlier package that failed to perform at the Japanese Grand Prix.
“This is already the second major update package. The first package didn’t work in Suzuka,” he said, immediately correcting suggestions that Miami marked Red Bull’s first significant upgrade.
He explained that the team had high expectations for Japan, but the changes produced no gains, forcing a rethink during the April break.
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Failed first package exposed early-season weaknesses
Red Bull’s struggles were evident across the opening rounds, particularly in China and Japan, where the car was less competitive than its rivals.
The failed Suzuka upgrade was particularly significant, with teammate Isack Hadjar choosing not to use the new parts in the race. However, Verstappen ran the package to gather data.
This played a key role in shaping the team’s revised approach.
“This has worked well. It gives us a lot of confidence,” said Verstappen of the Miami developments. “We’ve taken a huge step forward.”
This progress marks a turning point after a period in which Red Bull appeared to be falling behind the leading competitors.
Miami performance boosts confidence inside Red Bull
Verstappen admitted that the difficult start to the season had impacted morale within the team, including at the factory.
“You do need this sometimes,” he reflected, looking back on the struggles.
He described the Miami weekend as a crucial reset: “After the first three races, this was really very good for us.”
The Dutchman made it clear that confidence is closely tied to on-track results.
“That’s normal, isn’t it? If you haven’t got it right in the first few races, you hope that a month’s break and a major upgrade package will work well when you come back. If that works well, it gives everyone confidence.”
He added, “If you go out to play football and you score goals, that gives you confidence, too. You can demonstrate that in training, but it has to happen in the match as well.”
Verstappen signals commitment as development race intensifies
Despite earlier speculation about his future, Verstappen dismissed any doubts about his position within the team.
“I had no doubts, but you are naturally curious about such a major upgrade. It has worked out well. We’re not there yet, but it is a step in the right direction.”
His comments suggest that a move away from Red Bull is not currently under consideration, even amid ongoing changes in the competitive landscape.
Meanwhile, rivals Mercedes and McLaren are expected to introduce further upgrades at upcoming races, putting pressure on Red Bull to maintain their momentum.
When asked about the team’s development capacity, Verstappen said: “You’ll have to ask the team that. I don’t look at the budgets. Everyone has a limit.”
One key area remains car weight. Red Bull is currently carrying seven kilograms of excess mass, which could equate to a loss of more than two tenths of a second per lap.
This reduction is expected to be included in the next upgrade package, highlighting the importance of ongoing development in determining the outcome of the 2026 championship.
After a shaky start, the team’s ability to diagnose and correct its issues could keep Verstappen firmly in contention.
However, with rivals continuing to develop aggressively, the competitive gap remains tight — and the success of future upgrades may ultimately define the championship battle.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
