Max Verstappen and Red Bull are grappling with a complex issue on the RB22 that threatens their 2026 season. Despite not yet winning, Verstappen has just secured his second consecutive podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, but the team is still searching for a definitive solution.
According to Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's Team Principal, there is an element of car performance degradation occurring during sessions and races. "We are not going to explain what it is and how we are going to fix it," he told media, including Motorsport Week. "But Max is right. There is an element of car performance degradation that is happening through a session, through a race. He is right in saying it is not a new issue. We are not sleeping on it. We have been trying to tackle that in different ways. Obviously, I consider it a complex issue, otherwise, we would have got to the bottom of it."
The issue is particularly felt on the rear axle, which has been a bugbear for Verstappen. The RB22 has a narrow setup window, and Verstappen has been vocal in criticising the 2026 technical regulations. If he fails to win by the end of the year, it will be his first winless season since 2015 with Toro Rosso.
Progress in Understanding
Mekies confirmed that the team is making slow progress in understanding the mysterious issue. "Everyone is very constructive about it, trying to make small steps at a time to be able to get to the bottom of it, finally," he said. "We had a couple of positive steps in that regard [in Madrid]. It will never be the full picture, but we certainly have, through pain, made progress in our understanding. We don’t have all the solutions yet in the car, but I trust that we are on the right way. It will not be fast. It’s something that probably will take us through next year."
Red Bull is currently in a difficult position with inconsistent performance. Nevertheless, Verstappen continues to show speed, but the failure to win adds pressure. The team must find a solution quickly to restore optimal performance.
In recent races, Verstappen has been competitive, but there is always a factor preventing victory. Will this technical issue be resolved soon? Only time will tell.
Baca Juga
Laurent Mekies ungkap masalah kompleks di RB22 Max Verstappen yang menyebabkan degradasi performa. Red Bull berjuang atasi sebelum musim 2026 berakhir.
F1 resmi rilis kalender 2027 dengan 24 balapan dan 10 Sprint Race, termasuk Monaco yang pertama kali menggelar Sprint. Simak jadwal lengkapnya.
F1 resmi merilis kalender 2027 dengan sprint perdana di Monaco dan pembuka musim di Timur Tengah. Simak jadwal lengkap dan kejutannya.
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