Red Bull’s new 2026 staff bonus scheme suggests they could be further off the pace than expected

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Red Bull Racing won’t know how they compare to their rivals in the paddock until pre-season begins.

Pre-season might not even be a strong indicator of the pecking order, with Ferrari expected to make changes to their cars all the way up until practice starts for the Australian Grand Prix.

Red Bull will hope that they don’t end up repeating the 2008 season, where they finished behind their sister team, but apart from that, anything could happen between now and the chequered flag falling in Melbourne.

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

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The 2026 regulation changes could completely mix up the pecking order on the grid, putting Max Verstappen’s hopes of achieving a fifth world championship in the balance.

Red Bull’s new power unit will be under intense scrutiny as their partnership with Ford is going to be crucial to the team’s success.

Unfortunately, the noises coming out of the team about their new bonus scheme for staff heading into the upcoming season suggest that Red Bull aren’t expecting to be in the championship fight over the next 12 months.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Red Bull ‘reduction in confidence’ for the 2026 season might have impacted staff bonuses

Speaking on the Missed Apex Podcast, Alex Vangeen said: “The only thing that gives me an idea that maybe Red Bull aren’t doing too well is something I heard from inside was that there’s a show of confidence where in their bonus scheme that they give to their team members.

“When someone I know who was there, who was at Red Bull during the days that they were winning, their bonus was based on finishing first or second in the constructors’ championship.

“The understanding is now that has been lowered to fifth.

“But that just shows a reduction in confidence in their ability to perform for next season.

“Doesn’t mean it’s not good. It just means their confidence isn’t very high.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull team principal and CEO Laurent Mekies

How Red Bull Racing staff’s bonuses have been impacted by drivers in the past

For most Formula 1 fans, the drivers’ championship is what matters most and is by far the most exciting part of the sport.

However, for F1 staff, it’s the constructors’ championship, as bonuses are primarily based on where your team finishes in the standings.

This has previously been a point of contention at Red Bull, who are notorious for backing Verstappen over any of his teammates.

Red Bull staff were upset with Christian Horner when he renewed Sergio Perez’s contract in 2024.

Although the Mexican driver didn’t see out the extension he signed, his underperformance was seen to have cost Red Bull in the championship while Verstappen was on his way to winning another title.

Red Bull were worried about repeating that issue with Yuki Tsunoda last year, but Verstappen’s late run of six victories in nine races meant that they leapfrogged Ferrari during the closing stages of the championship.

If Red Bull are willing to pay out bonuses for finishing in the top half of the standings, then that will send alarm bells ringing about their expectations.

A car that’s only good enough to finish fifth will not satisfy Verstappen even if he’s committed his long-term future to Red Bull.