Red Bull says Verstappen win reflects progress, but questions remain over wider form
Max Verstappen’s Bahrain Grand Prix victory gave Red Bull its first win of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the first for Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Team figures described the result as a significant milestone, while also cautioning that it is too early to know if Red Bull can contend for wins at every circuit.
Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, securing his 72nd Formula 1 victory. The result was Red Bull’s first win of the 2026 season and the first for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, making it an important moment for both the team and its partnership with Ford.
Laurent Mekies said the win was the product of a gradual improvement in form. After starting the campaign more than a second off the frontrunners, Red Bull reduced that gap through a steady flow of upgrades, with reports noting that Verstappen capitalised on an updated car in taking victory.
Even so, Mekies said it remains too soon to say whether Red Bull can now fight for wins everywhere or match Mercedes consistently. Christian Horner also reacted to the breakthrough result, which carried added significance beyond the podium itself.
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