Max Verstappen achieved his first podium finish of the 2026 season. The four-time world champion crossed a significant psychological threshold for himself and Red Bull by finishing third at the Canadian Grand Prix. For Verstappen, who lost the championship last year and had a weak start to this season, the podium in Montreal was a long-awaited breath of fresh air.
First podium of the season: Four championships, a long wait.
Verstappen was initially at the back of the Mercedes battle throughout the race; he only gained a position naturally when Russell broke down and Hamilton overtook Leclerc in the final laps. However, Red Bull emphasized that this result was not just a matter of luck, but also reflected real progress in the car. The team is working intensively to close the performance gap, especially in low-speed corners.
Hadjar's fifth-place finish is a morale boost for Red Bull.
With teammate Isack Hadjar finishing fifth, Red Bull secured a valuable double points in Canada. The French rookie has been consistently performing well throughout the season, giving positive signals about the team's future. The McLarens' failure to score points in Canada due to a poor tire strategy (starting on wet tires when rain was expected) also allowed Red Bull to maximize their gains from this race.
Monaco and beyond: The real test lies ahead.
Verstappen is aware that Monaco's narrow and slow track conditions will be challenging for Red Bull. The RB22, still lacking in powertrain capabilities, seems more competitive on mid-to-high-speed circuits than on the principality's streets. However, the team is reportedly preparing a more comprehensive upgrade package for Barcelona and Austria. We'll have to wait a few more races to see if Red Bull is truly in contention for the championship.