Pierre Wache Admits RB22 Weight Challenges Ahead of F1 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Pierre Wache has confirmed that Red Bull Racing is facing weight-related challenges with the RB22 ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, the French technical director stressed that reducing car weight under the new regulations is a widespread issue across the grid.

For 2026, the FIA has lowered the minimum car weight from 798 kg to 768 kg, presenting teams with a significant engineering hurdle. Every additional kilogram carries a measurable lap-time penalty, particularly in acceleration phases and high-speed direction changes, making weight reduction a critical development objective during the early lifecycle of the cars.

Wache acknowledged that trimming excess mass remains a priority following the winter development phase.

“Like everybody after winter, we’re trying to reduce the weight,” Wache told media, including RacingNews365.

The situation echoes the 2022 regulation reset, when Red Bull initially began the season with an overweight car. Despite remaining competitive, the team’s performance improved substantially once it shed excess mass, contributing to Max Verstappen’s eventual title-winning campaign.

Four years later, teams are once again navigating a similar process under a fresh regulatory framework. Reports suggest that other teams, including Williams and Mercedes, may also be carrying several kilograms above the new minimum limit. Wache admitted that Red Bull is not immune from comparable difficulties.

“We have some challenges with the weight — it’s the case for everybody. Maybe some people did a better job than us, but on our side, we will have to find some weight on the car.”

He emphasized that Red Bull’s development philosophy prioritizes outright performance over simply reaching the regulatory threshold.

“Our philosophy every time is to try and make the car quicker, not just focus on the weight limit. But it is a better position than in 2022.”

With the 2026 rules introducing reduced weight targets alongside increased electrification and active aerodynamic systems, achieving an optimal balance between structural efficiency and performance output will be decisive. Red Bull’s ability to refine the RB22’s mass distribution and overall weight could prove pivotal in maintaining competitiveness as the new season begins.