Karun Chandhok wants to see Max Verstappen drive the Racing Bulls car after Red Bull struggles

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Max Verstappen could only manage P8 in the RB22 at the Japanese Grand Prix, and it has left Karun Chandhok wondering how he would fare in the Racing Bulls car.

The Dutchman struggled for performance all weekend at Suzuka and has done so throughout the season so far. Red Bull are having issues with the chassis and overall performance, with Verstappen scoring just four points at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 in P11, while teammate Isack Hadjar managed to get into the top 10. He managed to climb his way back into the points, but he spent most of the race behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly.

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Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf broke the story

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Having to settle for eighth, the four-time champion was not happy at all in Japan. He described the RB22 as ‘undrivable’ in qualifying. His criticism of the 2026 regulations is growing stronger, to the point where Verstappen is seriously considering retirement at the end of the year.

Red Bull’s struggles at Suzuka are alarming, especially when conversations about the sister team’s car being better to drive are rising again.

Karun Chandhok would ‘love to see’ Max Verstappen drive the Racing Bulls car

Racing Bulls scored two points in Japan through Liam Lawson, with Arvid Lindblad limping home in P14. After the race, Bernie Collins discussed how the VCARB 03 might be a better car to drive than the RB22.

She said via Sky Sports F1 (29/03, 8:56 am): “Max was beaten by his teammate yesterday, he spent today fighting Gasly, which is not where Red Bull expect to be fighting.

“And once again, I think there’s arguments that say the Racing Bulls car might actually be a better car. So, yeah, he’s struggling, and that’s not great, so hopefully over the next little break, they can go through the data and come up with some solutions for the next race.”

Karun Chandhok hopes that Verstappen will drive the Racing Bulls machine during the April break, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GP being cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.

He said: “I’m going to rehash a line I said several times at the early part of last season. I’d love to see Max Verstappen have a go in the Racing Bulls car. Maybe in this break, they can go to a demo test day or something.”

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People have talked about Max Verstappen driving the Racing Bulls car since 2025 – would it be better?

These debates are not new in F1, as it was said that last year’s Racing Bulls was an easier car to drive than the Red Bull. Lawson’s form and results improved in the VCARB 02 when he swapped seats with Yuki Tsunoda, while his performances plummeted dramatically.

Verstappen was adamant that he would not win with Racing Bulls in 2025, stating that the car was not enough to catch McLaren, who won the title with 14 wins.

But Fernando Alonso felt Verstappen would have fought for the title in the VCARB 02. With a more stable and responsive machine, one can only think about what the Dutchman could have been capable of.

Even now, some believe that his results would improve in the Faenza outfit’s car. Ralf Schumacher says Verstappen would be ‘significantly faster’ in the Racing Bulls car right now.