Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen sees progress after Sprint Qualifying in Miami
Max Verstappen reports clear improvement from Red Bull during the Miami weekend, saying the team has significantly reduced the gap to the front despite ongoing weaknesses.
F1 & MotoGP news to your inbox every day.
After a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen has found reasons for optimism at the Miami Grand Prix. The Dutch driver, who sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship following a point-less Sprint weekend in Shanghai, believes Red Bull are beginning to move in the right direction.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Verstappen suggested that the team has made a noticeable step forward compared to the opening rounds of the season. Despite still trailing by a significant margin, he feels the performance deficit is no longer as severe.
"It feels more together. Of course, there are still things that we are working on, but it's been a really positive step for us. You know, last few races we were like over a second behind. I would say we have almost halved that gap now, so that's positive," said the Red Bull driver after securing fitth place in Sprint Qualifying.
Red Bull’s struggles have been evident so far, with the team currently sixth in the Constructors’ standings, sitting behind both Haas F1 Team and Alpine F1 Team after three races. However, early signs in Miami suggest that the RB22 package is becoming more competitive.
Reflecting on his Sprint Qualifying performance, Verstappen highlighted a key weakness that continues to hold the car back, particularly in high-speed sections of the circuit.
"We're still very weak in the first sector, which is mainly high speed, so we know that we need to work on that. But yeah, the rest seemed all a bit more together, so a bit happier with that. At least it seems like we have cleared a little bit the midfield, let's say," Verstappen added.
