Verstappen vows to capture his first victory of the season at Sepang

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula One champion, expressed a strong desire to secure his first race victory of the season, despite currently being sixth in the drivers’ standings after 15 events. He pointed to back-to-back runner-up results in Madrid and Baku as evidence that a win is within reach, while acknowledging that Red Bull still trails Mercedes in both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. The Dutch driver recalled his last triumph at Sepang nine years ago and admitted the track’s demanding tyre degradation and hot conditions feel unfamiliar.

He praised recent car upgrades tested in Baku but cautioned that the team must continue learning across varied circuits. Verstappen also said he trusts the FIA to decide on the pending Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, emphasizing the need for appropriate conditions.