Verstappen still has a big goal for 2026

Max Verstappen has set himself the goal of winning at least one race in the remaining 2026 Formula 1 season!

At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Dutchman had narrowly missed victory by less than two tenths of a second (all info >>>).

Verstappen travels to the first Formula 1 race in Malaysia since 2017 with the prospect of a first winless season since his rookie year 2015.

The goal is clear

Despite recent improvements, Red Bull is struggling to keep pace with Mercedes at the front.

"We are getting quite a few podiums now, but I want to win. That's what I'm here for and I'm getting closer, but I want to win at least one race this year. So I hope we can achieve it eventually," Verstappen said on Thursday before the race, which is marketed in Malaysia as the Bahrain Grand Prix.

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Gap to Antonelli is significant

"We're not fighting for the championship anyway, so this is a big learning curve for us, but the last weekends were (much better) than at the beginning of the season."

Verstappen's desperate attack on George Russell on the finish straight in Baku on Saturday ended with his fourth second-place finish in the last eight races.

He is in sixth place in the overall standings and has barely more than half the points of leader Kimi Antonelli.

There are still enough opportunities

Given the uncertainty about the last two planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, it is unclear how many races remain for Verstappen in 2026 to work towards the elusive victory.

Eight races are still on the calendar, including Qatar and Abu Dhabi. However, should they not be able to take place, Formula 1 could schedule a replacement race in Italy.

Asked which tracks might best suit his chances, Verstappen said: "You don't really know, because it also depends on what (Upgrades) the other people are constantly bringing. Honestly, I don't care. As long as I win one, that would be nice."