Ted Kravitz says Red Bull turned RB22 ‘upside down’ before Max Verstappen’s dismal qualifying

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Ted Kravitz has claimed that Red Bull turned the RB22 ‘upside down’ before Max Verstappen endured a tough qualifying session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. 

The 2026 Formula 1 campaign resumed this weekend, with the action taking place around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Before qualifying, the Sprint took place, with George Russell winning ahead of Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli. 

Russell then secured pole position for Sunday’s Grand Prix, beating Antonelli by just 0.068 seconds. McLaren star Norris will start from P3. 

However, it was a tough afternoon for Verstappen, who only managed to put his Red Bull P6 just in front of teammate Isack Hadjar.

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Ted Kravitz says Red Bull turned RB22 ‘upside down’ in search for more performance

Speaking ahead of qualifying, Sky Sports F1 pit lane reporter Kravitz stated that Red Bull had made several changes in anticipation of Sunday’s expected wet conditions. 

He claimed that Red Bull had ‘tried everything’ and turned the car ‘upside down’ in a bid to challenge their rivals.

Kravitz said: “Lewis Hamilton hasn’t changed his car much at all. McLaren have made a few tweaks and have put a bit of a wet set-up. Mercedes have the same car.

“But at Red Bull, they know they can’t compete with McLaren and Mercedes at this track. They have tried everything and turned the car upside down.

“I think Red Bull have put a bit more downforce on because if they can’t beat McLaren and Mercedes at their own game in the dry, they can give it a go in the wet tomorrow.”

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Max Verstappen says ‘everything is confusing’ after tough Canadian GP qualifying

Speaking after the session, Verstappen was far from happy, claiming that ‘everything is confusing’. 

The four-time world champion also expressed his discontent over the set-up changes made by Red Bull. 

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 reporter Rachel Brookes, Verstappen said: “I have no idea what is going on. Everything is so confusing, and the set-up changes we made, I also didn’t like. Very difficult, very confusing, everything.

“It’s going to be chaos regardless, we’ll see, I’m not really thinking about that (wet race) to be honest.

“It’s not only tough, everything is confusing, so not really a lot of words.”

Aside from Verstappen, Hadjar was also left frustrated, saying the car is not easy to drive.

Hadjar said: “Our car is not the easiest to drive, it’s on a fine edge. It’s also wanting it too much. Also, two races in eight weeks it is hard to stay sharp.”