# Red Bull's 2026 Win Challenge

> Red Bull Racing's first win of 2026 shows progress but struggles to match Mercedes consistently.
- Title: Red Bull's 2026 Win Challenge · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Red Bull Racing's first win of 2026 shows progress but struggles to match Mercedes consistently. Red Bull Racing secured their first 2026 Formula 1 win in…
- Keywords: red bull racing, max verstappen, mercedes, formula 1, 2026, bahrain gp, malaysia, september 2026, sports, cars, Red, Bull's
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/can-red-bull-now-fight-for-wins-everywhere-its-difficult-to-be-on-par-with-mercedes-consistently/10862272
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-10-05T14:54:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: red bull racing, max verstappen, mercedes, formula 1, 2026, bahrain gp, malaysia, september 2026, sports, cars
## Red Bull's first win of 2026
Red Bull Racing secured their first win of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Malaysia after gradual upgrades.
## Team principal Mekies on progress
Team principal Laurent Mekies says Red Bull's gradual upturn in form has led to their first win of 2026.
## Malaysia race performance
Max Verstappen dominated Malaysia with a pole position and win despite extreme heat and track conditions.
## Mekies on circuit challenges
Mekies noted Malaysia's extreme heat and rough track affected the pecking order but said it won't change next race strategy.
## Red Bull's 2026 form
Red Bull has improved from being over a second behind Mercedes to winning races in multiple circuits this season.
## Mekies on future races
Mekies believes Red Bull will compete for podiums but says it remains difficult to consistently challenge Mercedes across all circuits.
## Key takeaway

Red Bull Racing secured their first 2026 Formula 1 win in Malaysia after gradual upgrades, but team principal Laurent Mekies says it remains difficult to compete with Mercedes consistently across all circuits.