Max Verstappen has spoken about the significant operational shifts within Red Bull Racing, reflecting on a period where he experienced considerable unpredictability with the car. The 2026 Formula 1 season began with Red Bull facing a challenging start, struggling to compete at the front of the grid.
The Milton Keynes-based squad was positioned sixth in the constructors’ standings after the initial three rounds of the campaign. Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar extensively criticised the RB22, with the car often performing as a midfield contender in races such as China and Japan.
Verstappen admitted the car was ‘not nice to drive’ during the early part of the year. He described weekends where ‘strange things would happen’ when turning the steering wheel.
The Dutchman also conveyed a feeling of being a ‘passenger in the car at times’ due to its handling characteristics. He noted that ‘sometimes I didn’t know what was going to happen’ with the car’s behaviour.
In response to these performance issues, Red Bull implemented a series of organisational changes within its technical department in April 2026. These adjustments aimed to strengthen technical leadership and reinforce the team’s focus on performance and innovation.
Ben Waterhouse was promoted to Chief Performance and Design Engineer, taking on an expanded leadership role. He now holds overarching responsibility across design and vehicle performance, reporting directly to Technical Director Pierre Wache.
Additionally, Andrea Landi joined Red Bull as Head of Performance on July 1, moving from sister team Racing Bulls. Landi reports to Waterhouse, further bolstering the technical structure.
The 2026 season also marks Red Bull’s debut as a works outfit, running its own Ford-branded power unit, the RB22. Max Verstappen had expressed being ‘impressed’ by the engine’s sound during development in January.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously highlighted Verstappen’s ‘stability’ and crucial involvement in the 2026 engine project. This collaboration represents a significant step for the team.
Red Bull has introduced major car upgrades throughout the season, including packages brought to Miami, Austria, and a revised floor and sidepod design in Baku. These developments have aimed to eliminate car weaknesses.
The RB22 has shown improved straight-line speed and enhanced performance in medium and high-speed corners, areas that were previously considered its Achilles’ heel.
The team secured its first win as a works outfit in 2026 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang. This victory followed a double podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Verstappen placed second and Hadjar third.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team boss, acknowledges Mercedes remains the favourite for race wins. However, he believes Red Bull is now consistently a podium contender for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Verstappen is currently preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix, a circuit where he has not yet secured a victory. Marina Bay has historically presented a difficult challenge for Red Bull.
