Max Verstappen has provided a positive update regarding his health, confirming a full recovery from a recent minor viral infection. The Red Bull Racing driver, however, maintains a cautious outlook on the team’s current performance, stating that the car is ‘falling short somewhat’ in key areas.
The viral infection had reportedly impacted Verstappen’s training regimen earlier this month, leading to concerns about his physical preparation for upcoming events. His return to full fitness is a significant development for the team as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses.
Despite the personal health improvement, Verstappen highlighted ongoing challenges with the RB22 chassis. He specifically pointed to issues with aerodynamic efficiency, particularly noticeable in high-speed cornering sections during recent Grand Prix weekends.
The Dutchman’s assessment aligns with data gathered by Red Bull Racing. Team Principal Christian Horner recently addressed the car’s balance, acknowledging the need for improvements based on simulator feedback and track performance.
‘We have been working intensively to understand the nuances of the RB22’s behaviour. Max’s feedback is crucial, and we are pushing development,’ Horner stated.
Verstappen himself elaborated on the car’s characteristics. He noted a persistent lack of front-end grip during qualifying sessions, which has hindered his ability to consistently extract maximum performance from the package.
In response to these performance deficits, Red Bull Racing is reportedly preparing a revised aerodynamic package. This includes a new floor and diffuser design, anticipated for introduction at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort.
The team aims for these upgrades to address the current limitations and improve overall car stability. This development push is critical as Red Bull seeks to solidify its position in the constructors’ championship during the latter half of the season.
Verstappen’s cautious remarks underscore the competitive nature of the 2026 campaign. While his health is no longer a concern, the focus now shifts entirely to extracting more pace from the Red Bull challenger.
