Verstappen and Lawson on Red Bull's Prospects at 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson are sizing up Red Bull's chances at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, which takes place at the new high-speed street circuit in Madrid. With Red Bull yet to secure a victory this season, the team sees the uncertainties of the new venue as a possible advantage.

Verstappen, well aware of the pitfalls that come with street circuits, believes the event could present a unique opportunity. "I think the practice sessions are crucial," he noted, emphasizing the importance of getting a good feel for the car. "If you have a good feeling with the car, you’re actually a bit more competitive, and hopefully that will put us in a place where we can fight for a podium."

Although Verstappen is keen to clinch a win, he acknowledges the difficulty. "Maybe, first race here, we can have a bit of chaos," he mused. The Dutchman added that the circuit might be a "car killer," underscoring the importance of confidence in the car to avoid the walls.

Liam Lawson, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar, is also keen to make the most of this debut venue. The New Zealander, who has already raced for Red Bull in Zandvoort and Monza, missed out on points in Italy but sees this as another step in his adaptation to the 2026 car. "This track is quite different to what we've been racing on," he remarked. "It's new for all of us, so it's going to take some time to learn."

Lawson is realistic about the challenges of adapting to a car that isn’t tailored to him. "It's not my car, and obviously, in your own car, you have many things that are very suited for you," he explained, noting that more time in the car will naturally lead to greater comfort.

As the weekend approaches, Red Bull will be hoping that the unknowns of Madrid can turn into their first triumph of the season. Whether the new circuit will play into their hands remains to be seen, but both drivers seem ready to take on whatever the Madring throws their way.