Max from Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: 'First real test of strength'

Published on 11 June 2026 by Kees-Jan Koster

A week after the disappointing Monaco Grand Prix, it is already time for the Barcelona Grand Prix. At the circuit where Max Verstappen claimed his first victory 10 years ago, he now looks ahead to the second European race of the season.

“That first Grand Prix victory feels like a long time ago,” said the 28-year-old Verstappen. “I always enjoy being here. Barcelona is one of my favourite cities and it is also a great track as well. I hope we have a good weekend. It looks as though it will be nice and warm. Monaco did not end the way we wanted, but life goes on.”

The FIA has amended the regulations for 2027 and 2028, giving the internal combustion engine a larger share of the total power produced by the power units. Max commented: “It was good to see that changes are being made. Not only for this year, but also for next year. Of course, I had hoped we would move to V8 engines next year, but I also understand that there are politics involved. In any case, changes are being made, and that is a good thing.”

The FIA has also determined that Red Bull Ford Powertrains has the best engine, which gives the other engine manufacturers greater scope to introduce updates. “I think we were all a bit surprised within the team,” Max responded. “Yes, we can be proud of everything we have achieved, but we never felt that we were the best. So we were surprised, and we are now discussing the situation with the FIA. We will see what comes of it. It is certainly worth having the conversation.”

Things appear to have improved over the last few Grands Prix, with a podium finish in Montreal and a second-place starting position in Monaco. What does he expect from the team's performance in Barcelona? Max replied: “I think this will be our first real test to see how competitive we are, particularly in the high-speed corners. That is where we have had some issues, which we have been trying to resolve. There is still a lot to learn. It also remains to be seen how tyre degradation will be affected by these high temperatures. The practice sessions will be important in finding that out.”