From Motorsport · Ronald Vording · · 1m 10s
Max Verstappen's Sepang Win Means More for Red Bull
Max Verstappen's first Red Bull victory with their own engine marks a turning point after a tough start to 2026.
In brief
Max Verstappen's first Red Bull victory with their own engine marks a turning point after a tough start to 2026. Max Verstappen's Sepang win is Red Bull's first victory with their own power unit after a difficult 2026 season. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Verstappen's 72nd win
Verstappen celebrated his 72nd Formula 1 victory with Red Bull's own engine at Sepang.
“72, mate! 72!”
First Red Bull engine win
Red Bull achieved its first victory with the DM01 power unit developed in partnership with Ford.
“Of course, to win a race in the first year of being a new power unit manufacturer is honestly incredible and something everyone should be really proud of”
Red Bull's 2026 struggles
Red Bull faced a deep hole at the start of 2026 with chassis performance below par.
“Who still remembers the races in China and Japan, where Red Bull was reduced to a midfield team fighting with the likes of Alpine and Haas?”
Verstappen's perspective
Verstappen acknowledged his approach to racing has changed since winning four world titles.
“It is different now compared to before 2021. Of course, I have won the championship four times by now and taken many victories.”
Team progress
Red Bull improved performance through upgrades, including a major Baku update.
“We’ve had a very complicated and tough start to the year with all sorts of problems and just not being competitive enough.”
Team spirit
The team's strong collaboration and shared understanding boosted Verstappen's confidence.
“Everyone is on the same line and we really understand each other well.”
Regulation satisfaction
Verstappen's dissatisfaction with F1 regulations remains unchanged despite recent success.
“Yes, that has nothing to do with whether I’m first, sixth or 10th.”
Historic milestone
Red Bull's win marks their 177th victory as an engine supplier since Brazil 2003.
“Red Bull has claimed its first F1 victory since Brazil 2003 and its 177th as an engine supplier, together with Cosworth, in F1.”
The big picture
Max Verstappen's Sepang win is Red Bull's first victory with their own power unit after a difficult 2026 season.
