Max Verstappen voiced significant dissatisfaction with his Red Bull car’s performance at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, despite securing a second-place finish. The four-time world champion described the car as “a disaster to drive” over team radio following the race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Verstappen’s podium finish came after a challenging start, having begun the 71-lap race from 21st on the grid. This grid penalty was incurred due to Red Bull fitting a new power unit, exceeding his season’s component allowance.
The FIA confirmed Verstappen took a 30-place grid penalty, utilizing a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust. This necessitated a back-of-the-grid start under current regulations.
Despite his impressive recovery drive, which saw him climb through the field in a race marked by changing wet and dry conditions, Verstappen was critical of his car’s balance.
“Of course P2 is nice, but not in this way. I’m sorry, but what a disaster to drive. Unbelievable, I never experienced something like this in the wet, or in the dry. It’s really, really bad.”
He further elaborated in the post-race press conference, stating, “Doing 85% of the race with a f* car.” Verstappen demanded a Red Bull investigation to ascertain if “something broke” on the car or if there was “some kind of aero loss,” emphasizing that the car’s behaviour was “not normal.”
The Dutchman reported experiencing an “extreme amount of oversteer” in high-speed corners once he switched to slick tyres. This made the car exceptionally difficult to control.
Earlier in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen had already reported issues with downshifts and heavy steering during free practice sessions. He referred to the steering as a “workout.”
Red Bull’s Head of Race Strategy, Hannah Schmitz, acknowledged these concerns on Friday, confirming the team was planning “quite a few changes” to Verstappen’s car ahead of qualifying. Verstappen also ended the second practice session prematurely due to inconsistencies in long-run data.
The 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris for McLaren, who started from pole position. Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar secured third place, completing a double podium for the team.
The race itself was affected by variable weather, starting wet, drying out, and then experiencing a return of rain in the closing stages, necessitating a switch back to intermediate tyres. Forecasts for race day had indicated light rain and drizzle.
The 2026 season has presented challenges for Red Bull, with the team lying sixth in the constructors’ standings by April. Verstappen has faced engine trouble and crashes earlier in the campaign.
The RB22 is Red Bull’s 2026 challenger, powered by a Ford-branded power unit. Laurent Mekies serves as the Red Bull team principal.
Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at this event. Kimi Antonelli was confirmed as the newly crowned world champion prior to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s second-place finish in Brazil places him 17 points ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in the battle for second in the drivers’ standings.
