McLaren CEO Zak Brown has warned it would be "foolish" to count out Red Bull in the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite the team sitting sixth in the constructors' standings with just 16 points after three rounds and Max Verstappen yet to reach the podium.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has warned it would be “foolish” to count out Red Bull in the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite the team sitting sixth in the constructors’ standings with just 16 points after three rounds and Max Verstappen yet to reach the podium.
Why does Brown refuse to discount Red Bull?
Brown believes Red Bull’s current performance does not reflect the team’s true long-term capabilities. He emphasized that the nature of the new 2026 regulations leads to performance convergence as the season progresses, giving Red Bull a chance to bounce back strongly.
Performance convergence is key
“As the season goes on, performance will converge. That’s the pattern in Formula 1 in recent years. Red Bull is a very strong team with huge resources, so it would be foolish to write them off now,” Brown told Motorsport.com.
Red Bull’s current situation in 2026
- Position in constructors’ standings: 6th
- Points: 16
- Best result for Verstappen: No podiums so far
- Gap to leader: Significant, but Brown believes it’s recoverable
Can Verstappen make a comeback?
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has expressed frustration with the current car’s performance, but he remains one of the top drivers on the grid. With expected improvements from Red Bull, Verstappen could close the gap in upcoming races.
What does this mean for the title fight?
Brown’s comments come amid fierce competition in the 2026 season. Besides leading McLaren, teams like Ferrari and Mercedes are serious contenders. However, Brown sees Red Bull as a real threat, especially given the team’s extensive experience in developing the car during the season.
Conclusion: Beware of counting out Red Bull
In Formula 1, things change quickly. What looks like a decline today could turn into a strong comeback tomorrow. Zak Brown advises everyone not to discount Red Bull, because it would be “foolish” to think the Austrian team is finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Bull out of the title fight in 2026?
According to Zak Brown, no. Despite a slow start, the McLaren CEO believes Red Bull will come back strong as performance converges over the season, so it would be foolish to count them out.
How many points has Red Bull scored in the first three races of 2026?
Red Bull has scored only 16 points, placing them sixth in the constructors' standings.
Why is Red Bull struggling in 2026?
The report does not specify a single reason, but the car's poor performance and Verstappen's lack of podiums suggest design or performance issues compared to other teams.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Zak Brown: "Foolish" to discount Red Bull despite poor start to F1 2026
