Red Bull fans will be delighted by what Max Verstappen has now ‘heard’ about their 2026 Formula 1 car

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Red Bull are gearing up to turn their complete attention to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations as Max Verstappen’s title push fades.

The Dutchman trails Oscar Piastri by 43 points in the drivers’ championship, and the team are nowhere in the constructors’ either. Their car has dropped off in performance.

Verstappen will receive new upgrades at the Austrian Grand Prix, but they may be the last additions of substance for the year.

If Red Bull’s latest tricks are ineffective, then diverting their resources to the 2026 F1 regulations could be a fruitful approach for them in the long term. That’s not to say they haven’t started work on them, but more can always be done.

Verstappen has been predicted to leave Red Bull early if they don’t allow him to take part in 24-hour events outside of Formula 1 over the next few years.

Verstappen cannot compete in a 24-hour GT3 race at the Nurburgring currently due to German regulations about participating in at least two tests or races. He will meet those requirements soon enough.

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Max Verstappen has ‘heard’ Red Bull have a good approach for the 2026 F1 car

Red Bull are preparing for one ‘nightmare’ Verstappen scenario by handing 17-year-old Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad a practice session at the British Grand Prix soon.

They’re aware that they need a capable reserve driver in the event that the reigning champion receives a one-race ban for accumulating 12 penalty points, which he remains just one away from.

After rumours in the paddock, Verstappen has set off ‘alarm bells’ at Red Bull over a potential move to German rivals Mercedes for 2026.

However, speaking in Formula 1’s official pre-race press conference at the Austrian Grand Prix, he seemed optimistic about his current team’s direction.

“Teams are already focusing on 2026, so we try to work on this year’s car to see what we can optimise,” he said.

“2026 is a good opportunity if we get it right. From what I’ve seen, what I’ve heard, our approach is the correct one.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen ‘only’ likes answering questions about one topic in the F1 paddock

Max Verstappen will hate an ‘aggressive’ Pirelli tyre change touted for the 2026 F1 regulations

After a recent technical directive and some helpful additions to their car, Verstappen holds one advantage over McLaren and appears to be better suited to the medium tyres in race trim now.

It allows him to do less tyre saving, but also offers up more strategy options over a weekend, however, the advantage may not last forever.

Verstappen will hate an ‘aggressive’ tyre change for 2026, which has been touted by a Pirelli chief, with the Italian company looking at bringing even softer tyres.

Higher degradation will mean more pit stops and hopefully excitement for the fans, but the 2011 and 2012 seasons are a reminder that isn’t always the case.

So any move will need to be discussed properly, otherwise it could end up negatively affecting some teams.