Red Bull told they face one ‘precarious’ issue that could ‘repeat itself’ ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations

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Red Bull require a bit of an overhaul heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season if they want to compete for championships again.

Whatever they have done over the last 18 months hasn’t worked, and even left Max Verstappen with doubts over their potential for the future.

Fortunately for them, he’ll be remaining with them heading into the 2026 F1 regulations, as the sport faces the biggest shake-up in recent history.

New team boss Laurent Mekies now faces a big task to rally his colleagues and ensure they produce a car capable of keeping their superstar driver long-term. Red Bull do not want to lose Verstappen.

Christian Horner couldn’t believe Verstappen’s data after witnessing what he did to drag a car to victory that shouldn’t have beaten both McLaren drivers.

Unfortunately, Red Bull have made a ‘painful realisation’ about Yuki Tsunoda and are aware that he might need replacing for next year. They need to find someone capable of scoring regular points.

READ MORE: Red Bull told what Laurent Mekies must do or Max Verstappen won’t win another title ‘anytime soon’

Red Bull face ‘precarious’ structural issue that could ‘repeat itself’ ahead of 2026

Red Bull got one Verstappen decision ‘totally’ wrong, and it left him very close to a one-race ban, following a collision with George Russell.

The sort of perfection demanded to become champions has faded from their operation over the last few seasons, and they need to rediscover it.

Christian Danner has warned they face a structural issue that could ‘repeat itself’ in 2026 if they can’t figure out why they are struggling.

“What’s really precarious is the fact that they’re tumbling around between ‘We can win a race’ and ‘We’re nowhere’ without having it under control,” he told ran.de. “If you know your car is too slow, then you work on it specifically.

“But if you don’t know why you’re doing well today and disastrously tomorrow, then something fundamental is wrong. That’s precisely what makes the situation so precarious. Because if this mistake is structural in nature, it could repeat itself in the new car in 2026.”

READ MORE: How McLaren ensured they didn’t lose their ‘guiding path’ like Red Bull with 2025 F1 car

Which worrying Red Bull statistic Max Verstappen must put an end to very soon

Now it has been four races without a podium for Verstappen, he is officially on his longest spell without a rostrum since the start of 2018.

It doesn’t look like changing any time soon either, after finishing ninth place on merit at the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break.

The longer he goes without trophies, the more inclined he is to get worried about the future. Mercedes may sense a vulnerability.

They’re yet to confirm either of their drivers for 2026, and the delay in handing George Russell, who has performed well, a contract extension, suggests they would still like to sign Verstappen in the future.