Red Bull's Max Verstappen says he feels closer than ever to having a car capable of challenging for the Formula 1 World Championship.
Whilst Verstappen has won a race in every season he's contested since joining Red Bull in 2016, his highest champiobship finishing position is 4th in 2018. However he currently lies 3rd in the standings with an 11-point buffer over Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
His three wins pale in comparison to Lewis Hamilton's ten though, but he feels Red Bull and engine partner Honda are gradually getting to a point where they can begin to challenge for the title.
"Yeah. I think we do," he replied when asked if he felt closer to having a car capable of winning the title.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
"Also looking at the plans for next year too. But of course you still have to wait and see what the others have come up with.
The Dutchman says it's key he's given a car that can challenge for wins from the very first race, rather than having to play catch-up throughout the year.
"Of course we want to fight for the title so we’re going to give it everything we have to be competitive from the start next year.
"We will never be satisfied with what we are doing. But yeah, it’s been good. I think it is a good base for next year as well where I think we learned a lot throughout the whole year.
"I feel confident that we can have a positive start to next season."
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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