Max Verstappen starts eighth at Azerbaijan Grand Prix after engine issues
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 6:53 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026
Max Verstappen will start eighth for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to an internal combustion engine problem. The two-time champion acknowledged that he likely could not have matched George Russell's pole time but viewed Baku as Red Bull's best opportunity to secure a victory in 2026. Despite the setback, Verstappen remains focused on achieving a strong finish and described himself as more frustrated by the missed chance. He emphasized that Red Bull's ongoing issues have characterized their season, and upcoming upgrades for rivals could heighten competition in future races.
- •Verstappen lost time due to an engine problem during qualifying.
- •George Russell secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- •Baku was considered Red Bull's best chance to win in 2026.
- •Verstappen acknowledged ongoing setbacks have affected Red Bull's season.
- •He remains determined to fight for a podium finish despite starting eighth.
- 6:53 AMYahoo Sports — "Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to win
- 6:53 AMMotorsport.com — "Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to win
"A problem with the internal combustion engine cost Max Verstappen a good starting position for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The four-time world champion readily acknowledged that he probably could not have matched George Russell’s pole time, but given the large gap behind him, a place on the front row would have been a logical outcome. However, due to a problem with Red Bull’s ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen believes Mercedes will become even stronger with its Malaysia upgrade. He therefore considered Baku as Red Bull’s best chance to win, but that challenge has become a lot greater after an engine issue in qualifying
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 26, 2026, 6:53 AM"Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to win
Max Verstappen believes Mercedes will become even stronger with its Malaysia upgrade. He therefore considered Baku as Red Bull’s best chance to win, but that challenge has become a lot greater after an engine issue in qualifying
- Motorsport.comSep 26, 2026, 6:53 AM"Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to win
A problem with the internal combustion engine cost Max Verstappen a good starting position for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The four-time world champion readily acknowledged that he probably could not have matched George Russell’s pole time, but given the large gap behind him, a place on the front row would have been a logical outcome. However, due to a problem with Red Bull’s ...Keep reading
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