The Formula 1 paddock converges on Austin for the United States Grand Prix this week, with Red Bull Racing featuring prominently in pre-race discussions. Former Team Principal Christian Horner has provided insight into a pivotal 2022 conversation that influenced the team’s car development philosophy.
Horner confirmed that Max Verstappen’s management approached him around the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. They expressed a clear demand for the car’s development to align with Verstappen’s specific requirements.
The 2022 RB22 chassis had initially been developed with characteristics more suited to Sergio Perez’s driving style. This followed extensive development work by Alex Albon in 2021.
Verstappen reportedly found the early 2026 RB22 challenging, describing it as ‘scary to drive’ due to understeer and unpredictable handling.
Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Waché has detailed the intensive development work undertaken to transform the RB22. The car began the 2026 season approximately 1.5 seconds off the pace.
A significant upgrade package, including a new floor and sidepods, was introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this season. This marked a turning point for the car’s performance.
Waché noted that these upgrades proved effective across different circuit profiles, contributing to consecutive victories in Malaysia and Singapore.
The RB22, powered by a new Red Bull Ford power unit, became more balanced and predictable. This allowed Verstappen to extract its full potential.
Horner indicated that the shift in development focus towards Verstappen’s preferences has continued to impact the performance of the second Red Bull seat.
In related personnel news, Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-standing race engineer, is confirmed to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer. His contract with Red Bull concludes at the end of 2027, with a move to McLaren scheduled for no later than 2028.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has acknowledged efforts to secure Lambiase’s earlier release from Red Bull.
Max Verstappen will begin working with a new race engineer, Tom Hart, for three of the remaining 2026 Grands Prix. This transition starts at the upcoming United States Grand Prix.
Hart will manage the pit wall for Verstappen in Austin, Sao Paulo, and Las Vegas. Lambiase will remain on-site as Head of Racing for these events.
Lambiase will resume his race engineering duties for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix later in the season.
Tom Hart, who previously served as a performance engineer, was initially slated for a senior role at Williams. He was released from that commitment following Lambiase’s confirmed departure.
Red Bull Racing has undergone significant organisational changes in its technical department during 2026. Ben Waterhouse was promoted to Chief Performance and Design Engineer in April.
Andrea Landi joined Red Bull as Head of Performance in July 2026, reporting to Waterhouse.
These changes follow the removal of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko in 2025, and Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin in 2024. Laurent Mekies now serves as CEO and Team Principal.
The United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas is scheduled from October 23-25, 2026. Free Practice 1 commences on Friday, October 23rd.
Kimi Antonelli has an opportunity to secure his first Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at this event.
