Red Bull Racing Technical Director Pierre Waché has acknowledged the ongoing limitations with the RB22, particularly concerning how Max Verstappen can utilise the car’s full potential. Waché stated that the team observes specific issues affecting driver confidence and overall performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Early in the current campaign, the RB22 was affected by ‘mechanical gremlins’ within its steering system. This defect prevented both Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar from properly feeling the car through the steering wheel.
Verstappen described the car as ‘completely undrivable’ during the initial three rounds of the season. He noted that ‘every lap is like survival’ in China, highlighting the significant challenge.
The team also addressed a ‘super dangerous’ rear wing airflow reattachment problem that led to two consecutive accidents for Verstappen in Austria and Britain. Waché confirmed this mechanical issue was identified and subsequently fixed by mid-July.
Despite these early season corrections and a major upgrade package introduced in Miami, the RB22 continues to exhibit inconsistent performance. Neither driver has been able to extract reliable, repeatable pace from the car on a consistent basis.
Verstappen recently expressed frustration at the Hungarian Grand Prix, citing ‘car degradation’ where the RB22’s performance worsened over the weekend. He noted that each qualifying lap became progressively slower.
The four-time world champion described the rear of the car as ‘non-existent’ on turn-in during Q3 in Hungary, leading to a spin. This highlights a persistent lack of rear-end stability.
Beyond the chassis issues, the Red Bull Ford power unit, which debuted this season, has also presented challenges. Verstappen admitted the RB22 struggles for pace, and the engine has not met reliability expectations.
Red Bull Racing currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Verstappen has identified finding more overall performance and resolving the car’s inconsistency as a ‘big priority’ for the team.
Red Bull Racing boss Laurent Mekies acknowledged the team’s struggle to provide Verstappen and Hadjar with a car they can consistently push to its limits.
