Max Verstappen described his Red Bull RB22 as “a disaster to drive” during untelevised team radio communications following the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion finished second at Interlagos, despite starting from 21st position on the grid due to an engine change penalty.
Verstappen’s comments revealed significant frustration with the car’s performance, stating he completed “85 per cent of the race with a fked car.”
The Dutchman’s recovery to a podium finish occurred in challenging wet conditions. McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his third victory of the season, while Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar finished third, completing a double podium for the team.
Verstappen reported handling problems with the RB22 shortly after his first pit stop on Lap 17, when he switched from intermediate to soft tyres.
By Lap 26, he informed his race engineer, Tom Hart, that he was struggling to steer in high-speed corners. Hart confirmed a shift in balance and a loss of rear load.
“I can barely steer in the high speed. What the fk?” Verstappen stated. Hart responded, “Yeah, so the balance has shifted more than intended between stops.”
Verstappen further reported the car was “undriveable” due to the lack of rear load. On Lap 28, he struggled to steer, questioning front wing adjustments.
Later in the race, on Lap 64, Verstappen reported an issue with “very aggressive clipping” from the engine. A lap later, he again claimed the car was not handling properly, suggesting a problem with a front wing adjustment during a pit stop.
The Brazilian Grand Prix marked Tom Hart’s second race as Verstappen’s race engineer, part of a planned transition. Hart is covering three races in the 2026 season, including the United States, Brazil, and the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
This handover precedes Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren, where he will assume a Chief Racing Officer role. Lambiase is expected to join McLaren by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
The RB22 has presented challenges throughout the 2026 season. Verstappen has consistently voiced concerns regarding the car’s engine, balance, and inconsistent handling characteristics, including understeer and oversteer.
The car has also been noted for its narrow operating window, excess weight, and reliability issues with its new Ford-branded power unit. Red Bull has not secured a victory this season.
During the Brazilian Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar, who started fifth, was asked by Red Bull to allow Verstappen to pass him on Lap 38 to chase Lando Norris. Hadjar secured his third podium of the season.
Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finishing fourth and fifth. Kimi Antonelli had already secured the 2026 Drivers’ World Championship at the preceding Mexican Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s post-race radio message concluded his frustration: “Doing 85 per cent of the race with a fked car. Of course P2 is nice, but not in this way. I’m sorry, but what a disaster to drive. I’ve never experienced something like this in the wet or in the dry. Really, really bad.”
