OMM Newsroom
The 2026 Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix proved a turning point in Red Bull’s season. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the team introduced its final major technical upgrade package of the season at the Baku round.
The five-part aerodynamic package exceeded the expectations of a team that had struggled during the first half of the championship. Its main change was a redesigned car floor, which increased downforce and improved aerodynamic stability. The team also upgraded the sidepods and rear-view mirrors.
After suffering an engine problem in qualifying in Baku, Max Verstappen climbed from eighth to second in the race. The Dutch driver crossed the finish line 0.2 seconds behind the winner.
Verstappen later won the Malaysian and Singapore Grands Prix. In Singapore, he finished first in both the sprint and the main race, taking pole position for each.
“I think the car started behaving better from Baku onwards. The balance improved considerably. At the start of the year, driving the car could sometimes even be a little scary. Now I enjoy driving it more,” Verstappen said after the Singapore Grand Prix.
Mundo Deportivo said the upgrades came too late to help Verstappen fight for the 2026 championship, but gave the team a technical foundation as it prepares for the 2027 season.
Context
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held in Baku on September 26, was won by Mercedes driver George Russell. Verstappen finished second.
