# 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.
- Title: Max Verstappen's Sepang Win Means More for Red Bull | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang, f1 regulations, power unit, dm01, ford, sports, cars, Max, Verstappen's, Win
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/a-very-special-moment-why-max-verstappens-malaysia-win-means-so-much-to-red-bull/10862164
- Author: Ronald Vording
- Published: 2026-10-05T09:05:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang, f1, f1 regulations, power unit, dm01, ford, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen's Sepang win is Red Bull's first victory with their own power unit after a difficult 2026 season.