Curiosity is running high around the new Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season, but Max Verstappen is taking a patient approach. The Dutch champion will not be driving the RB22 in the simulator, choosing instead to wait for the first official F1 tests.
The new Red Bull is aiming for the top in the upcoming season, but the RB22 remains largely an unknown quantity. The Power Unit has already sparked intense discussion, particularly regarding the so-called “compression ratio” issue shared with Mercedes, while rumors about the chassis performance continue to vary. Verstappen has decided to postpone getting behind the wheel until the first tests in Barcelona.
Barcelona pre-season tests on the horizon
Anticipation is building for the Barcelona tests. Across five days, teams will get their first real glimpse of the 2026 cars, albeit in a still very basic form. The main focus for all teams will be the Power Units, with less attention given to extracting ultimate performance. Some teams plan to concentrate their efforts on the first three days, while others will spread work evenly across all sessions. There are even reports that a few teams are running significantly behind schedule.
At Milton Keynes, Red Bull remains confident but cautious. The engine developed in partnership with Ford is reportedly “at the limit of the regulations,” but both performance and reliability will still need careful evaluation. In the meantime, Max Verstappen is enjoying time with his family and has no intention of testing the RB22 in the simulator, leaving that work to the development team.
Verstappen: “I want to drive the RB22 on track”
“I could spend ten days sitting in the simulator, but it wouldn’t make any sense,” Max Verstappen explained to De Telegraaf. “My experience with previous changes to the technical regulations has taught me that many adjustments will still need to be made, even after we’ve driven the car on track. Since I will be away for long periods during the season, I prefer to spend this time with my family.”
“My colleagues are already working in the simulator and providing feedback. Once I get into the car, I will give my own input.” The Dutch driver is not worried about potential challenges with the new Power Unit: “I prefer not to think about it. Everyone will have their own challenges and difficulties. I hope we are not in a bad situation. I believe the differences between teams will be very noticeable this year, as always happens when the regulations change.”
Max Verstappen’s decision to forgo early simulator sessions for the RB22 reflects a veteran’s pragmatism toward the 2026 regulatory reset. By prioritizing rest and family time, Verstappen is banking on his ability to adapt quickly once the “real” car debuts in Barcelona, while trusting Red Bull’s development team to iron out the initial virtual bugs. This approach underscores the unpredictable nature of the 2026 rules; as Verstappen notes, the most valuable data will only be gathered once the Red Bull-Ford power unit is pushed to its limits on actual asphalt.
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