P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The RB22 is still a “work in progress” but substantial mileage during F1 private shakedown has left Max Verstappen optimistic about 2026.
Max Verstappen remains optimistic about the 2026 Formula 1 season after a substantial mileage during the RB22’s private shakedown in Barcelona. The Milton-Keynes-based squad debuted as a works outfit at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to test the new regulations reset affecting engine and chassis formulas. Verstappen has shown good performance, logging an impressive 118 laps on the final day of testing. The team’s collaboration with Ford on the Red Bull-Ford engine debut was described as an ’emotional affair’, with successful uninterrupted running in Barcelona. Despite the changes, Red Bull acknowledges that 2026 is still a ‘work in progress’ and continues to focus on understanding the new power unit and optimizing the car setup. The team will have two more testing opportunities in February at the Bahrain International Circuit before the season-opener in Australia in March.
