Red Bull Racing experienced a challenging Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, culminating in a significant performance deficit compared to recent races. The team’s RB22 car struggled to find optimal pace on the circuit.
Max Verstappen retired from the race on lap two after a heavy impact with the barrier at Turn 3. The incident occurred due to a loss of rear grip in the problematic corner.
Liam Lawson, deputising for the injured Isack Hadjar, secured six points for Red Bull Racing. Lawson finished seventh, a commendable effort given his late call-up and the team’s overall struggles.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal, acknowledged the team faced ‘unexpected challenges’ at Zandvoort. He noted particular issues with tyre degradation and the RB22’s balance throughout the weekend.
Technical director Pierre Waché indicated the RB22 struggled with Zandvoort’s high-speed, undulating sections. The car’s aerodynamic stability was compromised, with its usual setup proving ill-suited to the circuit’s unique demands.
Rivals such as Mercedes and McLaren demonstrated superior pace, particularly in the medium-speed corners. These teams appeared to find a more effective operating window for their cars at Zandvoort.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix was won by Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes. Lando Norris of McLaren secured second place, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium for Ferrari.
Isack Hadjar’s absence was due to a wrist injury sustained during a training incident before the race weekend. Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing extends until the end of the 2028 season.
Red Bull Racing now faces a thorough analysis to understand the performance drop. The team aims to address these issues before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, scheduled for September 6.
