P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull fear they are only FOURTH fastest F1 team
Red Bull F1 chief Pierre Wache has issued a stern caution to Max Verstappen fans anticipating his fifth championship this year. Verstappen expressed discontent with the 2026 F1 regulations after testing in Bahrain and acknowledged Red Bull’s apparent lack of competitiveness compared to other teams. Wache, aligning with Verstappen, placed Red Bull fourth on the grid following initial test impressions. While Verstappen has previously excelled despite inferior machinery, the challenge is substantial with three rival teams boasting stronger cars. Wache remains uncertain about their prospects, believing Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are ahead, emphasizing the need for Red Bull to address weaknesses. Evaluating the performance of key competitors will be crucial in shaping Red Bull’s strategy for the upcoming season.
