Max Verstappen is facing one of the gravest winless streaks of his career while competing with Red Bull Racing, a situation that prompts real scrutiny ahead of the 2026 season. Despite the odds, a remarkable 83.3 per cent of respondents in a recent RacingNews365 poll believe the four-time world champion will secure a victory before the season concludes.
This season marks a important juncture for Verstappen, as he currently sits sixth in the championship, accumulating 109 points without a single win thus far. RacingNews365’s findings highlight a sharp contrast between Verstappen’s historical success—having claimed at least one victory annually since his 2016 debut—and his present challenges with the RB22 car, which is noted to be the weakest iteration he has driven since 2015.
Verstappen’s Current Championship Challenge
With the 2026 season well underway, Verstappen’s journey has been tumultuous, featuring a disappointing start, including finishing sixth in Australia after starting from 20th, retiring in the Chinese Grand Prix, and struggling in Japan. Nonetheless, improvements have positioned him for potential podium finishes, securing second places in Austria and Hungary.
RB22’s Development and Impact
The RB22 has faced criticism for its performance, presenting a half-second qualifying deficit compared to front-runners Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari. As Red Bull implements mid-season upgrades aimed at closing this gap, the expectation is that Verstappen can capitalise on these enhancements to convert competitive performances into race wins.
Historical Context of Verstappen’s Winning Streak
Historically, Verstappen has maintained a consistent winning record, achieving victories in his debut season with Red Bull and reaching a remarkable tally of 71 career wins over ten consecutive years. This run now faces substantial scrutiny as he seeks to avoid an unprecedented winless campaign, a prospect that has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.
The SportiveNews view
The current trajectory for Verstappen hinges greatly on Red Bull’s advancements with the RB22. While the upgrades have begun to show promise, the continuous competition from rival teams will dictate whether Verstappen can continue his winning legacy. Genuine improvements in performance are critical, and his stellar past may serve as motivation.
Frequently asked questions
How many points does Verstappen have in the championship?
As of now, Verstappen holds 109 points, placing him sixth in the championship standings. This is his first season without a win amidst this race tally.
What upgrades have been made to the RB22?
Mid-season upgrades are being implemented to improve the RB22’s performance. These updates have already begun to elevate the car into podium contention, although it still lags behind competitors in terms of speed.
For comprehensive insights, check our Formula 1 coverage and stay updated on the latest technical updates.