Red Bull are ‘convinced’ of one thing about Max Verstappen’s 2026 F1 car ahead of pre-season testing

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull will start a new phase as the 2026 F1 regulations era begins, as they become an engine constructor for the first time as Max Verstappen looks to win back the title.

The Milton Keynes natives were the dominant team during F1’s ground-effect era from 2022 until 2025 after starting it with a major advantage. Adrian Newey put Red Bull at the front of the field in 2022 with his expertise in venturi tunnels, but he will lead Aston Martin in 2026.

Verstappen made full use of Newey’s know-how while Red Bull’s design chief to claim the F1 drivers’ championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024 after also lifting the 2021 title. But Red Bull’s struggles without Newey at the start of the 2025 season ultimately cost Verstappen the title.

Red Bull initially struggled to improve the RB21’s through-corner balance issues, which cost Verstappen crucial points despite McLaren stopping developing their car in July to prioritise the 2026 F1 regulations. Red Bull continued to design upgrades for their car deep into 2025.

If these are Max Verstappen’s true thoughts, why does he continue to race in F1?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Red Bull are ‘convinced’ they need a race-ready car for the first 2026 F1 pre-season test

The 2026 regulations mark the greatest overhaul of F1’s rulebook to date, with new engine, chassis, aerodynamic and tyre rules all coming into force. Red Bull have also built their own engine for the first time under the new regulations, as Honda has now joined Aston Martin.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1’s 2026 engine and aero regulations

So, FunoAnalisiTecnica reports that Red Bull are ‘convinced’ that taking a car that is ready to race to the first pre-season test in Barcelona on January 26-30 is ‘undoubtedly’ their wisest move. Red Bull do not think it would help to wait for the first Bahrain test on February 11-13.

Red Bull believe the first 2026 pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be ‘crucial’ for gathering ‘essential’ data on their new engine, how the new Pirelli tyres behave under braking and calculating the drag created with the new aero package and active wings.

Having a race-ready version of the RB22 in Barcelona will also let Red Bull test the reliability of their new car and potentially avoid any software glitches at the first Grand Prix of 2026 in Australia on March 6-8. Red Bull will then target regular updates across the first six months.

Max Verstappen will hope Red Bull’s approach is correct with Isack Hadjar joining the team

Red Bull hope that having a race-ready car for the first 2026 pre-season test in Barcelona at the end of January allows them to establish a solid foundation straight away in a season of significant changes. Becoming a power unit constructor also deals Red Bull another hurdle.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1 in 2026 from the calendar to the grid

A lot has changed at Red Bull since 2023 – should we be worried about them?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Teams will likely vary their approach in Barcelona, with some likely to favour a similar style to Red Bull so they start pre-season testing with what they believe to be their best package based on their simulator data. Other crews may start in Barcelona with a more basic set-up.

Verstappen will hope that Red Bull’s belief that starting with a race-ready package proves to be the correct approach, as he also welcomes Isack Hadjar. Red Bull have promoted Hadjar from Racing Bulls to replace Yuki Tsunoda, who becomes the reserve driver for both teams.

Hadjar’s arrival at Red Bull for just his second season in Formula 1 will give Verstappen even more influence in how the Milton Keynes natives set their car up for the new regulations in 2026. Verstappen will also not want Red Bull to start with two conflicting ideas for their car.