Max Verstappen ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix: His final goal in 2026, delight at Alonso’s return

The 16th round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship is something of a curiosity: Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Bahrain Grand Prix – originally scheduled for mid-April – will now be rescheduled for early October and held at the Sepang International Circuit outside Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

The last Malaysian Grand Prix to date took place exactly nine years ago today, 1 October, in Sepang; in 2017, Max Verstappen won for Red Bull Racing (ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes and Daniel Ricciardo in the second RBR car).

Ten drivers from that starting grid will also be in action this coming weekend: alongside Verstappen and Hamilton, these are Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Sergio Pérez, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.

Verstappen has won the Bahrain Grand Prix twice (in 2023 and 2024) and the Malaysian Grand Prix once, but this combination has never happened before.

Speaking at the Sepang International Circuit, the 29-year-old Dutchman said: “We haven’t been here for a few years now, and to be honest – when I arrived in the paddock this morning, I couldn’t remember exactly where I was supposed to go.”

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“I’ve always enjoyed racing here: an interesting track layout with challenging corners, a circuit where the tyres wear out quickly, plus the heat and humidity. The track is physically very demanding.”

When asked whether he’d prepared in any special way, the Dutchman said: “Yes, by doing what I usually do – I don’t put too much pressure on myself about it. I know what to expect here, even on a wet track. But I don’t overthink it. If it rains, the track gets wet; if it’s wet, it’s slippery – it’s as simple as that.”

Verstappen is reminded that Red Bull Racing has recently scored more points than Ferrari and McLaren. Max grins: “That’s true, but unfortunately we’ve still got Mercedes ahead of us! We’re on a run of solid results and podium finishes, but I just want to win.”

“My aim is to win at least one more race this year. But it won’t be easy. Firstly, Mercedes have brought an update here in Malaysia, and that should allow them to extend their lead. And secondly, the track layout at Baku suits our car better than that of the Sepang International Circuit.”

“Apart from the win I mentioned, we want to learn as much as possible in the final part of the World Championship with a view to next season. We’re not in the title race, so we can approach it in a fairly relaxed manner. We now have a rapid succession of very different circuits coming up, which is good for us, as it will help us work out what we need from the car so that we can hopefully start 2027 in a more competitive position.”

Max Verstappen is also asked about Fernando Alonso’s contract extension with Aston Martin. The 29-year-old replies: “It didn’t surprise me, because everyone knows what a competitive person he is. As for me, I’m delighted that he’s carrying on. He’s an asset to Formula 1, and he undoubtedly has the pace to deliver strong performances.”