Red Bull Backed for F1 Revival After Verstappen's Canadian Podium

Max Verstappen ended a torrid start to the F1 season by claiming his first podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, reigniting belief that Red Bull can still win a race in 2026. The four-time champion fought Lewis Hamilton for second at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, signaling a turnaround for a team that struggled to finish in the top five until Miami in early May.

Why it matters:

Red Bull is navigating its first season as a power unit manufacturer in partnership with Ford, and expectations were low. However, the PU has been a rare bright spot. A first victory under their own power would validate the project and reshape the competitive order, especially after the RB22 chassis proved difficult early on.

The details:

• Verstappen's podium came after a dismal opening run – he failed to finish inside the top five until the Miami Grand Prix.
• At the Canadian GP, he lost second place to Lewis Hamilton but still reached the rostrum, a significant step forward.
• The RB22 chassis has been troublesome, leaving both Verstappen and new teammate Isack Hadjar fighting for lower points in the early rounds.
• Red Bull's in-house power unit, developed with Ford, has performed reliably, providing a foundation to build upon.
• A RacingNews365 poll found that nearly 70% of respondents believe Red Bull will win a race this season.

What's next:

The team now faces the challenge of converting podium finishes into a victory. While the momentum from Montreal is encouraging, the timing of that first win remains uncertain. If Red Bull can maintain its rate of improvement, a breakthrough before the summer break is possible, but the field remains tight.