P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen abandons Red Bull training
Max Verstappen plans to prioritize spending quality time with his family before focusing on the 2026 F1 season development. The upcoming F1 season presents a significant challenge with the introduction of a new generation of cars featuring major changes in power unit and chassis design. Red Bull faces the dual challenge of adapting to the new cars while testing the strength of their powertrains project with the DM01. Verstappen opts out of the traditional pre-season simulator work, intending to debut the RB22 during privatetesting in Barcelona on January 26, foregoing the use of a filming day. Instead, Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls completes a brief test in Imola to assess the new engine. Verstappen believes in getting valuable feedback from others using simulators, emphasizing the importance of track experience in setting the right direction for car adjustments.
