Max Verstappen tells Red Bull 'this is not what we agreed' in furious US GP rant
Max Verstappen accused Red Bull of putting him on a strategy he had not signed off on which compromised his attempt to win the United States Grand Prix. The Dutchman started second on the grid but made it clear he was gunning to stop Kimi Antonelli winning for the ninth time in 2026. A poor launch off the line dropped Verstappen below Charles Leclerc, but he wasted no time in getting back up to second place and showed strong pace which gave him the net lead of the Grand Prix after he had pitted for soft tyres while Mercedes kept Antonelli out on his mediums.
TL;DR
- Verstappen started on soft tires, locking Red Bull into a two-stop strategy due to Formula One rules.
- This predictable strategy allowed rivals like Mercedes to plan accordingly, enabling Antonelli to win.
- Verstappen reported the car became 'undriveable' due to inconsistent engine braking and shifting issues.
- These problems, along with a slow tire change, cost him time and contributed to his third-place finish.
- Red Bull's team principal admitted to flawed execution and minor problems that impacted their race.
- Verstappen stated the strategy of soft, soft, then medium tires had not been agreed upon beforehand.