A German analyst has identified a significant performance deficit at Red Bull Racing during the current 2026 Formula 1 season, suggesting Max Verstappen possesses crucial insight into the team’s underlying issues. Red Bull currently occupies sixth position in the constructors’ standings after nine rounds of the championship.
The RB22 chassis has exhibited fundamental balance problems. Drivers report persistent understeer in slow and medium-speed corners, which transitions into oversteer upon corner exit.
This is compounded by a notable lack of downforce across both axles, impacting the car’s stability and speed in high-speed sections. Set-up adjustments have consistently failed to yield substantial improvements.
Furthermore, the RB22 is reportedly overweight, contributing an estimated two-tenths of a second per lap to its deficit. This excess mass restricts the team’s ability to optimise weight distribution through ballast.
Red Bull’s new in-house power unit, developed in collaboration with Ford for the 2026 regulations, showed initial promise during February 2026 testing. However, it has since been plagued by persistent reliability concerns and performance shortcomings.
Verstappen has voiced strong criticisms, describing the RB22 as ‘incredibly tough to drive’ and ‘completely undriveable’ at various points this season.
His frustration was evident at Silverstone, where he reported being ‘just down on power’ and experiencing ‘no balance’ with the car.
Verstappen has also indicated a belief that his input is not consistently being acted upon by the team. He cited the decision not to fit a fresh power unit and start from the pitlane at Silverstone as an example, despite his preference.
Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché acknowledged Verstappen’s unique sensitivity to the car’s flaws. Waché stated that Verstappen ‘points out issues that affect him more than we can imagine,’ often beyond what simulations detect.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies has attributed some of the 2026 struggles to a strategic decision made in 2025. The team’s late development push on the previous year’s car impacted the RB22’s preparation.
Speculation regarding Verstappen’s future continues to circulate, fueled by performance clauses in his contract and reports of increasing tension with Red Bull shareholders over his commitment.
