Max Verstappen pinpoints two recurring Red Bull problems: "We should use sign language!"
Max Verstappen secured his tenth podium finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Austin, his sixth in succession since his crash at Zandvoort. It is an impressive statistic, although it did little to satisfy him at the Circuit of the Americas. On Saturday, the pace appeared to be there to take pole position – at least judging by Verstappen's impressive Q2 lap – but he inexplicably lost grip ...…
Max Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with Red Bull's radio communication failures during the United States Grand Prix, joking that they should communicate using sign language instead. The Dutch driver finished third behind winner Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc, after a challenging and issue-ridden race. Verstappen suffered from radio issues that hampered communication with the pitwall, and teammate Isack Hadjar also reported poor radio coverage, leading him to leave the pits with the wrong engine setting.
The Dutchman cited several problems, including suboptimal tyre choices, a slow pitstop, and inconsistent power unit behavior, making it impossible to establish a rhythm. Despite these issues, Verstappen acknowledged it was a podium finish and expressed gratitude for the VSC (Virtual Safety Car) at the end. With five races remaining, Verstappen has now been ruled out of the title race, as Kimi Antonelli needs only to finish in the top nine in Mexico to clinch the 2026 F1 world championship.
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