Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Waché has provided further insight into the steering feel problems that significantly hindered the RB22 during the initial phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The car was reportedly plagued by ‘mechanical gremlins’ from the outset of the campaign.
A subtle defect within the steering system left both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar without confidence in the front end of the car. Drivers reported a disconnection from the vehicle’s behaviour through the steering wheel.
Verstappen identified the issue as early as the Barcelona shakedown. He repeatedly described the RB22 as ‘completely undrivable’ during the first three rounds of the season.
During the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen stated that he could not ‘even put a bit of a reference in’ and that ‘every lap is like survival’. This highlighted the severe handling difficulties faced.
Isack Hadjar, Verstappen’s teammate, was also openly critical of the RB22. He labelled the chassis ‘terrible’ after the Suzuka event and noted that ‘lap by lap, session by session, you always have to guess what you’re going to get’.
Red Bull engineers ultimately traced the core of the problem to the steering rack and column. These components were subsequently replaced entirely to address the defect.
Waché expressed regret that the issue was not resolved sooner. He explained that identifying the root cause and producing the necessary parts took a considerable amount of time.
The team became aware of the problem shortly before the April break in the calendar. This five-week hiatus provided the crucial time needed to manufacture and install the new components.
The fix was implemented for the Miami Grand Prix. Verstappen noted an improved sensation behind the wheel, qualifying on the front row of the grid after the changes.
While the steering system correction did not immediately transform the RB22’s outright pace, it restored a degree of driver feel that had been conspicuously absent. This, in turn, led to improved overall performance and potential.
Alongside the steering fix, Red Bull introduced a significant upgrade package in Miami. This included substantial weight reduction and an overhaul of the car’s aerodynamic concept.
Despite these modifications, the RB22 has continued to exhibit inconsistent performance. Verstappen has secured four podiums in the past seven rounds, yet both drivers have struggled to extract reliable, repeatable results.
Hadjar recently described the RB22 as ‘undriveable’ in Hungary, sarcastically calling the team’s trajectory a ‘good step back’. He also highlighted issues with downshifts.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional ability to detect car issues that the team’s data and sensors cannot measure. He cited the early-season steering box problem as an example.
‘It’s a fact that Max feels things we cannot measure with our current data analysis and car sensors. I’m very honest about that. It’s the result of his exceptional sensitivity and high technical level. I don’t see it as a problem, but rather as a great asset,’ Mekies stated.
The RB22 has also faced other technical challenges this season. A rear wing fault led to retirements for Verstappen at the Austrian and British Grands Prix.
More recently, Verstappen has reported ‘car degradation’ issues, particularly susceptible to harsh kerbs and rough track surfaces, leading to frustration during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
