Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was in action at the Silverstone circuit during a filming day as Red Bull Racing continues its intensive development programme ahead of the next phase of the Formula 1 season. The Milton Keynes-based team has chosen to use this opportunity to gather crucial data with the new energy management system that will be introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, along with an updated aerodynamic package designed to improve overall performance.
The Red Bull seen in Japan was considered far below expectations, to the point where it did not reflect the team’s usual competitive standard. The Milton Keynes outfit currently sits sixth in the Constructors’ Championship with just 16 points, level with Alpine, marking a surprising and disappointing start to the season. The RB22 has so far underperformed, especially when compared to its form in 2025, when Verstappen was still in the fight for the Drivers’ World Championship until the final race in Abu Dhabi.
For this reason, Max Verstappen was called to Silverstone to complete a dedicated filming day. The Dutch driver, similarly to what Ferrari is doing at Monza with the SF-26, is working on track to collect valuable data related to the aerodynamic configuration that will be introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, once the championship resumes after a one-month break in the calendar.
Silverstone represents an ideal circuit for this type of evaluation, particularly in terms of software analysis and validation of regulatory changes related to energy management. These updates were officially announced by the FIA on April 20 and are expected to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council before the race weekend in Florida.
According to paddock sources, in addition to a weight reduction that is expected to deliver clear performance gains, several technical updates have been identified. These include a revised front wing design with a non-flat main profile, changes to the sidepod geometry, and modifications to the activation system for the rear movable aerodynamic elements. Interestingly, the design of the halo-mounted flap appears to have been inspired by a similar concept previously introduced by Ferrari engineers.
The team led by Laurent Mekies is not accepting its current position in the standings and is working to realign the project with its original ambitions. Red Bull still has access to a highly competitive power unit in the RBPT Ford DM01, which is widely regarded as strong and reliable, particularly when compared to the current limitations of the chassis and aerodynamic platform.
At the same time, Red Bull is awaiting the completion and full operational approval of its new wind tunnel, currently under construction in Milton Keynes. In the meantime, the team continues to rely on the Bedford facility, which is considered the least advanced among those currently used in Formula 1. One of its key limitations is the inability to fully stabilise environmental conditions, which affects the consistency of aerodynamic data for modern ground-effect cars.
Despite these challenges, working on correlation between simulation and track data without the pressure of a race weekend, similar to Formula 1 free practice sessions, can help teams regain clarity and direction in development. For Red Bull, this process is crucial in attempting to untangle the current performance issues and may also serve to reassure Max Verstappen, who has already expressed frustration with the direction of the new Formula 1 regulations.
These tests at Silverstone represent a critical turning point for Red Bull as they attempt to salvage their 2026 campaign. By addressing the RB22’s aerodynamic inconsistencies and optimizing the Ford power unit’s energy deployment, the team hopes to return to the front of the grid and provide Max Verstappen with a car capable of matching his championship-winning pedigree.
Leave a Reply