McLaren talks, 'numb' cars and being 'captain of the ship' - Verstappen Q&A

Max Verstappen is in a no-nonsense mood - even more than usual.

The Red Bull driver is renowned for his straight talking but now, as he discusses his 2026 season so far in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, he is at his most uncompromising.

We're talking on the eve of last weekend's Italian Grand Prix. The temperature is into the mid-30Cs, Red Bull's hospitality unit is not coping well, and Verstappen's PR handler messages before the Dutchman turns up to suggest I find a table near a fan; the interview might be more positive that way.

Monza is the second race since the four-time world champion signed a two-year contract extension with Red Bull.

In theory, this runs to the end of 2030. In reality, it changes little. It still has performance clauses. So Verstappen is earning a bit more money but, if Red Bull are still struggling for competitiveness next year, there will remain the prospect he could look for pastures new.

Verstappen arrives and briefly adjusts the fan blowing in our direction. "It's too hot in here," he says.

Does he need a breather before we start? "No, no," he says. "I'm good. It was just that it was super-hot in the corner when I was doing the print [media]."

Verstappen is always a great interviewee. Direct, honest, uncompromising.