Max in Shanghai: 'A lot of potential in RB22'

Published on 12 March 2026 by Stefan Meens

Following a strong recovery race at the Australian Grand Prix, starting in P20 and finishing in sixth, Max Verstappen has arrived at the Shanghai International Circuit for the second Grand Prix of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.

“There is a lot of potential”, refers Max to the new RB22. “It’ll depend on how much we can extract. Of course, the gap last week was pretty big, also in the race. If I had been able to start higher up the grid, fifth would’ve been the best result possible. Mercedes are in a good position for the whole season. In qualifying, Ferrari was where they wanted to be, but in the race it became clear we didn’t stand a chance against them. We didn’t have to pace to match the top four and we suffered a lot of wear and graining on the tyres. But we’ll see over the next few races if we can close the gap a bit.”

With the new regulations only a race old, it is difficult to gauge how the season develops and how track characteristics, like Albert Park’s, influence the pecking order. “It’s impossible to tell. It’s like a jungle out there. I hope we are closer than in Melbourne but it’s clear we can’t take the fight to the cars in front.”

The Australian Grand Prix was the first weekend alongside new Oracle Red Bull Racing teammate Isack Hadjar. “He had really strong opening weekend. Unfortunately he couldn’t show that in the race, but it was a great start. When I had issues in qualifying, he was ready and banked a good result. That’s exactly what we need as a team and I hope we can continue like that.”

The 2026 regulation changes have not been to Max’s liking, as has been well documented over the last few weeks. In the Shanghai paddock, the Dutchman elaborated: “I would like to enjoy the racing a bit more. It’s a bit of a paradox, because I really enjoy working with everyone in the team and power unit department.”

Nevertheless, the four-time world champion hopes that things will improve. “I’ve had conversations with Formula 1 and the FIA and I think we might be moving in the right direction for a solution to improve things. This season will be difficult, but hopefully we can make a bigger step next year. There are a couple of options that are being discussed.”

Away from the F1 paddock, Max announced earlier in the week that he will contest the NLS2 and the 24 hours of the Nurburgring. He will do so in a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3. “It’s one of the best races in the world on one of the best circuits in the world. A GT car has the perfect pace. If you drive a faster car, it could become a bit dangerous. But that event has it all. I’ve been following it for years and a lot of my friends have contested the 24 hours. They say it’s one of the best races ever. I love racing against other cars and this is the first time I would be able to enter. I’m curious to see how we’ll do. It’s a very strong field, so I’m looking forward to it”, said Max who would love to do a demo at the Nordschleife in an F1 car. “Sadly, that wasn’t allowed, otherwise I would’ve done it already!”