Story perspectives

Red Bull names Verstappen and Lawson for Madrid GP

9/10/2026

Summary

Verstappen Madrid

Red Bull Racing will field Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson at the new Madrid Grand Prix.
Verstappen has won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Isack Hadjar will miss the race after a hairline wrist fracture from boxing.
Lawson will replace Hadjar for a third straight Grand Prix after qualifying one-tenth slower than Verstappen at Zandvoort.

Summary

Robin Signs

Robin Räikkönen, son of 2007 champion Kimi, signed with Red Bull Junior Team for 2027.
Red Bull sporting director Laurent Mekies praised Robin’s speed, racecraft and maturity, promising patient development.
Kimi Räikkönen, 2007 champion, said Red Bull’s programme offers comprehensive support for his son.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen disclosed he explored talks with Mercedes and McLaren before confirming his stay at Red Bull.

Summary

Verstappen demands V8

Verstappen called the 2026 cars “numb” to driver inputs because of lift-and-coast and battery limits.
He urged a return to naturally aspirated V8 engines for better drivability and sound.
Verstappen criticised the FIA’s ADUO system, saying Red Bull’s benchmark status blocks engine upgrades.
He said Mercedes’ superior energy deployment at Monza exposed the new regulations’ imbalance.
Verstappen revealed he is exploring endurance racing and may join Fernando Alonso at Le Mans.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the FIA ended the 3.0-L V10 era, mandating 2.4-L V8 engines for the 2006 season—a change that cut power by about 20 % and saw rev limits exceed 20,000 rpm. Today Max Verstappen and Red Bull criticize the 2026 turbo-hybrid units, urging a return to naturally aspirated V8s, echoing the earlier engine-regulation debate.

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Verstappen Madrid

Red Bull Racing will field Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson at the new Madrid Grand Prix.
Verstappen has won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Isack Hadjar will miss the race after a hairline wrist fracture from boxing.
Lawson will replace Hadjar for a third straight Grand Prix after qualifying one-tenth slower than Verstappen at Zandvoort.

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