Red Bull are struggling in the opening races, but the Dutchman insists the RB22 still has significant hidden potential yet to be unlocked.
It is true. The results achieved by Red Bull in the first three races of the season do not fully support Max Verstappen’s claim that the RB22 still holds enormous untapped potential. The Dutch driver’s start to the year has been marked by multiple difficulties and rather harsh criticism of the new generation of cars, which in his view are gradually distorting the very nature of Formula 1.
The car has also failed to match the level of previous Milton Keynes creations, revealing clear limitations, especially in terms of drivability and predictability on track. The early season balance is harsh: just 12 points scored after three races, combined with battles in the midfield that have prevented Verstappen from joining the fight with Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren.
A clear example came at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the Dutch driver spent the entire race behind Pierre Gasly’s Alpine without ever managing to create a genuine overtaking opportunity. Despite all this, the four-time world champion continues to express confidence: “We are working hard because I think there is a lot of potential in the car. We just need to understand why some things have not gone the right way.”
Red Bull: the engine as a solid foundation
If on one hand Red Bull have shown clear difficulties, particularly in terms of drivability, on the other they can rely on one element that represents a strong foundation for recovery: the power unit.
The work carried out by Red Bull Powertrains has in fact been one of the few fully convincing aspects of this early phase of the season. Ahead of 2026, many observers had expressed doubts about the Austrian outfit’s ability to manage such a complex internal project, suggesting possible gaps compared to more established manufacturers. This important milestone had a concrete consequence: Red Bull’s exclusion from the ADUO programme, designed to support struggling engine manufacturers.
This now allows the Milton Keynes engineers to focus all their resources on the weaknesses of the chassis, working to close the gap in the areas currently limiting overall performance. “We just need to keep working, keep trying to improve the performance of the car, race by race. Maybe the break can help us arrive better prepared for Miami,” said Verstappen, suggesting that the work is far from finished.
A difficult but still possible recovery
The current situation forces Red Bull into a deeper reflection, almost an identity-level reassessment. After years of technical and sporting dominance, the team now finds itself chasing, forced to face new challenges. The presence of a competitive power unit is certainly a crucial starting point around which to build the recovery process.
A great deal will depend on the team’s ability to quickly identify the most effective technical solutions, translating the potential highlighted by Verstappen into real on-track performance. The break therefore represents a valuable opportunity to reorganise ideas and development direction, but as always, it will be the track that delivers the final verdict. Red Bull still have the time and expertise to turn things around, but the window to do so is gradually narrowing.
In summary, Red Bull’s current trajectory in the 2026 season highlights the immense challenge of adapting to new technical regulations while maintaining elite performance. By leveraging their robust power unit and focusing on refining the RB22’s aerodynamic stability, the team aims to transform their early struggles into a competitive resurgence in the upcoming rounds.
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