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Hi racing fans,
Ronald Vording with Motorsport Network here. This is the first edition of THIS WEEK IN MAX VERSTAPPEN, Motorsport’s newest newsletter dedicated to the 4x champion. I’ll share my observations and insights from inside the paddock with Red Bull.
I’m currently on my way from Baku to Malaysia, but before the next race weekend, it’s time to reflect on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
I’ve shared some thoughts on Max Verstappen coming closer to victory than ever before this year, our amusing media sessions in the paddock, and observations from one of F1’s most underrated race weekends.
Check it all out below.
The smile is back — will that elusive win follow?
Photo Credit: Ronald Vording
Since the start of this season, two things have dominated Max Verstappen’s year: dissatisfaction with the regulations and Red Bull’s lack of performance. Both problems are still there, but in Baku, at least, the smile seemed to be back.
That was not quite the case on Friday, when I asked him about the engine problem that had hurt him in qualifying. “This was our best chance to win, and we did a great job of messing it up!” Max said.
A day later, though, he still came extremely close to victory. He felt the 0.196-second gap was somewhat misleading, but nevertheless, this was Verstappen’s first genuine shot at a win in 2026.
Perhaps even more importantly, he actually managed to enjoy an F1 race in 2026. “The last stint was fun. I kissed a few walls, but that was just to leave my mark in Baku,” I heard him say during the post-race press conference.
Photo Credit: Ronald Vording
Not much later, I asked team principal Laurent Mekies whether this really had been Red Bull’s best chance to win a race this season. His answer showed that the double podium – we should not forget Isack Hadjar – has given the team renewed confidence.
Yes, according to Mekies, the streets of Baku provided the best opportunity, but above all, the smile is back. And that matters. When Verstappen is enjoying himself and senses an opportunity to win, he can usually find that little bit extra…
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One more thing from the ground
Photo credit: Ronald Vording
The most entertaining moment was, without a doubt, our Dutch media session in the Red Bull hospitality. In that setting, the four-time world champion usually shares a little more, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed, but Baku was particularly special.
Only two Dutch reporters were present in the paddock on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and when Verstappen noticed, he started laughing. “We’re the only two who actually wanted to come here!”, I joked, adding that I consider Baku one of the most underrated destinations on the F1 calendar.
It turned out Max shared that view and appreciates Baku as well. “I’ve often brought my family with me in recent years.” It set the tone for a relaxed session, which also ended with a laugh.
It went back to that potential first victory of the year. “You’ll just have to put it on pole in Singapore, and then nobody gets past,” I joked. As he walked away, Max laughed: “Oh yeah, because we’ve always been so good there in previous years…”
It sums up the informal atmosphere of the Dutch media session, which feels more like a natural conversation than a formal interview – and as such, always provides a highlight of the weekend.
The rest of the week
MOTORSPORT · RONALD VORDING
Why Max Verstappen says 0.196s Baku finish-line gap to George Russell is slightly misleading
Max says the finish flattered him, but admits the real gap was a second.
MOTORSPORT · FILIP CLEEREN
F1 Azerbaijan GP: George Russell holds off late Max Verstappen charge for victory
Russell led from pole to the flag through two safety cars, while Verstappen came from P8 to finish 0.196s behind.
MOTORSPORT · LYDIA MEE
Jacques Villeneuve defends Red Bull team orders call at F1 Azerbaijan GP
Villeneuve calls Red Bull's decision not to swap Verstappen and Hadjar "perfect."
MOTORSPORT · EWAN GALE
F1's top 10 closest finishes after George Russell holds off Max Verstappen's late Baku challenge
MOTORSPORT · RONALD VORDING
Red Bull "finally pinpointing" mysterious car issue highlighted by Max Verstappen for years
MOTORSPORT · STUART CODLING & RONALD VORDING
What Kimi Antonelli has learned from Max Verstappen
MOTORSPORT · RONALD VORDING
Max Verstappen's blunt reaction to F1's Monaco GP sprint race
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Cheers,
Ronald
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The Week in Max Verstappen is an independent editorial product from Motorsport. It is not affiliated with Max Verstappen, Verstappen.com Racing, or Red Bull Racing.