Max Verstappen's team radio message after China disaster has left fans concerned

Footage of Max Verstappen after the Chinese Grand Prix sprint has gone viral.

On Saturday, the first Sprint race of the 2026 Formula 1 season took place around the Shanghai International Circuit.

Having qualified in eighth place, Verstappen had a disastrous start as he failed to launch off the line and dropped down the pecking order towards the back of the pack.

However, the Dutchman did recover well, moving back up to ninth, but failed to score a point.

George Russell was the winner of the Sprint, ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Following the race, Verstappen was clearly frustrated as he was very quiet during the in-lap.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Bro is trying not to crash out. I don't blame him. Nothing to talk about...."

Another tweeted: "Wouldn't be surprised if he retires between sprint and quali. Can't blame him."

A third fan added: "He's so done with this season, who thought it was a good idea? The worst regulations and new cars."

Someone else wrote: "I think this may be his last year in F1 if this state of affairs continues. He's made clear family is his priority and he's loving the Gt series and it will keep him closer to home."

A fifth commented: "He's speechless about the performance of current RB."

Things did not improve during qualifying for Sunday's Grand Prix as he only managed to put his Red Bull in eighth place.

Mercedes star Antonelli secured his maiden pole position ahead of teammate Russell and Ferrari's Hamilton.

What did Max Verstappen say after disastrous Saturday in China?

Speaking after the session, Verstappen admitted that 'nothing' is working on the Red Bull.

He said: "We turned it upside down and it was exactly the same, so I'm expecting exactly the same [in the race].

"Where we are probably fighting a bit with Pierre [Gasly, who qualified seventh]. But, that's it. Not more in it."

Verstappen added: "Every time I did another lap on a tyre set, it felt awful. I honestly think it will be quite tough tomorrow.

"In the past, sometimes we throw it [the car] upside down and it worked. Now, nothing works. It's just not nice. I cannot push. Every lap is survival for me."