Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted engine supplier Renault is "not where it should be" after Max Verstappen retired from the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver was running in fifth place when he pulled off track with a mechanical issue on lap eight at Spa-Francorchamps, retiring from the race.
It is the sixth time Verstappen has failed to finish a race this season and several of the retirements have been caused by engine-related problems.
"Unfortunately, it has been an enormously frustrating day for Max," Horner said after the race. "Once again he was in a great position and through no fault of his own he has suffered another engine failure.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
"Our engine partners have apologised and are quite aware that their reliability and product isn’t where it should be.
"Alain Prost has personally apologised to Max. With that, we as a team offer our apology to the mass of Dutch fans who came out to support Max at his home race.
"Max is a fantastic talent, driving at a phenomenally high level at present, and he’s got great drive and determination and he’ll come through this period and this season a stronger driver.
"I’ve no doubt he’ll be determined to deliver his best again in Monza, despite the engine penalties we will take there, and the disappointment he feels right now, and that’s the measure of the man he is."
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
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