F1 Grand Prix Of Japan - Qualifying Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands speaks to the media in the TV pen after qualifying 11th at the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, round 3 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, on March 28, 2026. Suzuka Mie Japan PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xWanxMikhailxRoslanx originalFilename:roslan-formula1260328_npFVq.jpg
F1 Grand Prix Of Japan - Qualifying Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands speaks to the media in the TV pen after qualifying 11th at the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, round 3 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, on March 28, 2026. Suzuka Mie Japan PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xWanxMikhailxRoslanx originalFilename:roslan-formula1260328_npFVq.jpg
Aug 24, 2026, 12:50 AM CUT
Max Verstappen reflects on his car's 'limitations' after placing 7th in F1 at Zandvoort
Max Verstappen endured a difficult qualifying session at his home Dutch Grand Prix, with Red Bull struggling to challenge out in front. However, he qualified seventh on the grid, leaving him to assess the limitations and pace of his Red Bull after the session.
Over the years, Zandvoort had been kind to Verstappen as he had never qualified below third. However, the issues began for the Dutchman during the sprint qualifying and race as he ran into balance and grip issues.
Despite making the changes to his RB 22, Verstappen and Red Bull were left with a fourth-row start on Sunday. While talking to the media about his performance post-qualifying, he did not mince his words.
"Unfortunately, the car didn’t really change a lot, so I just had the same balance limitations as I had yesterday," Verstappen said during the interview, as reported by Formula One. "There was not a lot more in it, to be honest. I didn’t really feel like I left anything on the table, it’s just not where I wanted to be."
Sport Bilder des Tages NLS3: 56. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2025 - Max Verstappen, Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3 Nürburg Nürburgring-Nordschleife Rheinland-Pfalz Germany Copyright: xGruppexCxPhotographyx
Sport Bilder des Tages NLS3: 56. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2025 - Max Verstappen, Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3 Nürburg Nürburgring-Nordschleife Rheinland-Pfalz Germany Copyright: xGruppexCxPhotographyx
The four-time Formula One champion was also questioned on whether the team needs to bring in more updates to catch up to their rivals or if the current package will be sufficient to do so.
"I think some fundamental things in the car, hopefully, we can fix for next year. The rest is maybe trying, of course, to find a bit more performance, but we’ll see in the coming races."
So far this season, it has been a big struggle for the No. 33 garage as they managed to bag only four podium finishes. Despite all of this, Verstappen continues to remain loyal to Red Bull.
"Still my family"- Max Verstappen opens up about his loyalty to Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen have endured a difficult first half of the 2026 season, with not just the results but also having to deal with a wave of high-profile departures, including Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey.
Despite all these changes, Max Verstappen has not felt the need to look elsewhere. While talking to Sky Sports in an interview, he opened up about his decision to stay at the team.
"A few names have left but, at the same time, it's still my family," Verstappen said in the interview. "I never felt that desire or need to change to another team, to try and win somewhere else."
"If I feel well within the team here, why should I? Because I know that they do everything for me and they know that I do everything for them once I'm on the track and trying to get the results."
For Max Verstappen, the loyalty continues to outweigh the turbulence of a difficult season.
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco