Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have a long history of intense rivalry, with their 2021 championship battle being particularly fierce. The conflict between the two drivers dates back further, including a notable confrontation during the 2018 Formula 1 season at the second race, where tensions flared on track and off.
In that 2018 race, Hamilton started from ninth place due to a penalty, while Verstappen began even further back in 15th. Early in the race, Verstappen swiftly gained positions and positioned himself right behind Hamilton’s Mercedes on the main straight. As the second lap commenced, Verstappen attempted an outside pass at turn one but did not leave enough room for Hamilton. This move led to a puncture for Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing car and visibly frustrated Hamilton.
After the race, Hamilton openly expressed his anger about the incident, referring to Verstappen with a strong insult while in earshot of drivers Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas.
“Such a d*ckhead, man,” he said, as Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas heard.
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 driver
When questioned by the media about Hamilton’s harsh words, Verstappen suggested that the criticism was partly directed at him because he was younger, just 20 years old at the time.
“Why? Because it’s quite simple and easy to. no? To blame the younger driver. That’s the only way I can see it,” he told the media.
—Max Verstappen, F1 driver
Verstappen later went on to claim his first World Championship in 2021 by narrowly defeating Hamilton, establishing himself as a dominant force in Formula 1. However, Red Bull Racing’s performance has declined throughout the current season, and a recovery in the near term appears unlikely.
Challenges Ahead for Red Bull and Verstappen’s Chances in 2026
This season, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with the resurgent McLaren team, with Verstappen dropping from early championship contention to a third-place standing in the Drivers’ Championship. There is now a substantial 97-point deficit between Verstappen and the current leader, Oscar Piastri, making a title chase improbable given the team’s ongoing difficulties.
Looking forward to 2026, a former Formula 1 driver and analyst, Johnny Herbert, doubts a strong rebound from Verstappen and Red Bull is realistic. Key changes in technical regulations involving engines and aerodynamics could dramatically reset the competitive order in F1. Additionally, Red Bull has already lost the legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey and will be ending their partnership with Honda, relying instead on an in-house Ford-badged engine.
Herbert highlighted the challenge of Red Bull adjusting to these circumstances, emphasizing concerns about the team’s new engine setup:
“But of course Red Bull are not going to be having any of that [advantage of being an engine manufacturer]. They’re just going to be this badged Ford engine, but done in-house. And it’s going to be interesting to see if they can do that. Can I see a bounce back next year? No.”
—Johnny Herbert, Former F1 driver
The uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s technical direction and Verstappen’s reduced points gap underline a somber outlook for both the team and the driver. With a dominant McLaren and rising talent like Oscar Piastri leading the standings, Verstappen’s position in the sport’s hierarchy faces serious challenges as he seeks to reclaim past dominance.
