Sky Sports F1 journalist Ted Kravitz has made a pointed observation regarding the Red Bull RB22, a car that Max Verstappen has recently described as ‘unimaginable’ in its current performance. Verstappen’s strong criticism follows a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season for the reigning four-time world champion.
The Dutchman has expressed significant frustration with the RB22, particularly after the Chinese Grand Prix in March and the Hungarian Grand Prix just last weekend. During qualifying for the Chinese event, Verstappen stated the car was ‘completely undriveable’ and that ‘every lap is like survival’.
He further elaborated that despite extensive setup changes, the RB22 showed ‘zero difference’ in its behaviour. Verstappen noted a disconnected balance, with the car unpredictably swinging between oversteer and understeer.
More recently, at the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 25, Verstappen again voiced his displeasure, calling the RB22 ‘aerodynamically broken’ over team radio. He also claimed the team was suffering from ‘car degradation’ rather than tyre degradation.
The RB22 marks a new era for Red Bull Racing, being the first car to feature a Ford power unit. This season also introduced significant regulation changes, which Verstappen has openly stated he has not enjoyed since ‘lap one’.
Technical specifications for the RB22 include a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged Red Bull Ford DM01 engine and a push-rod suspension layout at both the front and rear. This design choice represents a departure from Red Bull’s previous philosophy of using a pull-rod suspension at the front.
Kravitz’s analysis extends to Verstappen’s future, suggesting that the driver has limited options for a team switch ahead of the 2027 season. He believes McLaren is the only potential destination, but the Woking-based team is content with its current driver lineup.
‘I think the only destination for him at the moment is McLaren and they have a difficult situation and they are very happy with their two drivers,’ Kravitz stated recently.
This ongoing dissatisfaction from Verstappen, coupled with Kravitz’s observations, highlights the challenges Red Bull Racing faces in adapting to the 2026 regulations and optimising the RB22’s performance. The team’s technical director, Pierre Waché, oversees chassis development, while Ben Hodgkinson leads the Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine development.
