Max Verstappen is in a no-nonsense mood as he discusses his 2026 season so far in an exclusive BBC Sport interview. The temperature is into the mid-30Cs on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the second race since the four-time world champion signed a two-year contract extension with Red Bull that runs to the end of 2030. Verstappen says the car is not where he wants it feeling-wise and the through-corner balance is too hit and miss. He reveals he turned down approaches from McLaren, saying Red Bull feels like a second family and there are other projects outside F1. He tells Red Bull not to stress about the contract and just work on the car, adding he never really spent time looking elsewhere because he was busy with stuff outside Formula 1.

Verstappen discusses the new engine rules he has a problem with and the Nurburgring 24 Hours appearance. He says some people have left and new people have come in, and the team is discussing changes and philosophy. Overall, he insists they are not in a title fight but are trying to learn and find more performance for next year.